South Bristol Voice October 2019 - Bedminster

southbristolvoice

October 2019

October 2019 No. 48

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FREE EVERY MONTH in Bedminster, Southville, Ashton & Ashton Vale New times for 24 bus services will leave us out on a limb - residents Changes to the 24 bus have now come into force – but Ashton Vale residents are unsatisfied with the new service, reporting a series of issues.

On September 15, the single decker changed to a double decker and a 24A shuttle service was introduced to accommodate users of the Ashton Drive stops, which could no longer be served due to the low rail bridge.

As reported in last month’s South Bristol Voice, First’s initial plans to change the service, because of capacity issues, were met with contention.

However, following feedback from residents and bus users, First agreed to introduce a shuttle bus which would connect users of the Ashton Drive stops to the Robins stop, where they would catch the 24.

At an Ashton Vale Together (AVT) public meeting on September 17, which was attended by managing director of First West of England James Freeman, residents expressed their frustrations over the new changes.

Among the criticisms,

Turn to Page 5

INSIDE

St Catherine’s Place: CGI of indicative scheme with grey areas highlighting the height change from previous proposals

FUTURE UNCERTAIN FOR THE WINDMILL Page 6

TOWER BLOCK HEIGHT REDUCED - BUT ‘CHANGES NOT EXTENSIVE ENOUGH’ Plans to develop a 22-storey tower block at the heart of Bedminster sparked much despair among residents, with more than 200 objections filed against the application online.

Now, Firmstone, the developer behind the proposed St Catherine’s Place redevelopment in Bedminster Green, has made a U-turn in response to local feedback and new guidelines, and has submitted revised plans, which will see the height of the main high-rise reduced to 16 storeys.

The height of the adjoining building to the rear of the tower block will also be reduced from

13 to nine storeys.

The other four buildings in the scheme will remain at eight storeys or smaller.

However, Dianne James, secretary of the Windmill Hill and Malago Community Planning Group (WHaM), which has been critical of the original plans, says that she anticipates that the community will “still not be happy” with the revised plans as the changes “are not extensive enough”.

The decision comes just weeks after A2Dominion’s application to redevelop the former Pring and St Hill site in Bedminster

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Contacts

Becky Day Editorial director 07912 484405 news@southbristolvoice.co.uk Ruth Drury Sales director 07590 527664 sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk Rich Coulter Production director 07775 550607 info@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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October 2019

southbristolvoice HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ...

My MP? Karin Smyth MP By email: karin.smyth.mp@ parliament.uk By post: Karin Smyth MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA By phone: 0117 953 3575 In person: Call 0117 953 3575 for an appointment.

My councillor?

Post: (all councillors) City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR. Celia Phipps Labour, Bedminster

By phone: 07469 413312 By email: Cllr.celia.phipps@bristol.gov.uk Mark Bradshaw Labour, Bedminster. By email: Cllr.mark. bradshaw@bristol.gov.uk By phone: 0117 353 3160 Stephen Clarke Green, Southville By email: Cllr.stephen.clarke@ bristol.gov.uk Charlie Bolton Green, Southville By phone: 07884 736111 By email: Cllr.charlie.bolton@bristol.gov.uk

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

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

COMPLAINTS

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

Further details of the complaints process can be found on our website (below) or can be obtained by contacting the Editor by email: news@southbristolvoice.co.uk or by post: 111 Broadfield Rd, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2UX or by phone: 0777 555 0607.

southbristolvoice.co.uk/complaints-procedure

All stories and pictures are ©South Bristol Voice (unless otherwise stated) and may not be reproduced without permission in this or any other plane of the multiverse.

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October 2019

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n NEWS

Revised plans for St Catherine’s submitted amid concern

From Page 1 Green was rejected by the council’s planning committee amid concerns about the height of the eight to 12-storey development.

It was also rejected on the grounds that a major transport study to determine how the area should be served as a result of the revamp has not yet been completed.

The reduction in height of St Catherine’s Place will mean that there will be 66 less residential

units built, but over 200 homes will still be provided.

Firmstone says that it will also be “earmarking buildings in their amended plans for affordable homes” but they will need to be delivered through public grant funding.

A target has been set to deliver 20 per cent affordable housing for the scheme, although the council’s target for affordable homes is 30 per cent.

Another major change includes implementing a new bus route to run along Dalby Road to

Tower block plans criticised The developer behind plans to regenerate the former Pring and St Hill site in Malago Road says that it is “considering its options” after its application to develop a series of high-rises was refused last month.

It would have been the first of five key sites to get under way in a huge regeneration of Bedminster Green.

But development control committee members agreed with officers’ recommendation to refuse the plans amid concerns about the size of the buildings and that a major transport study to determine how the area should be served as a result of the revamp has not yet been completed.

Windmill Hill councillor Jon Wellington spoke at the committee meeting on September 4. He said: “There is to be public consultation on the transport plans and we should not approve applications until this has been completed.

For an application to come to committee ahead of this is irresponsible and, to quote the officer’s report, will produce ‘negative consequences for the area and future residents’.”

Following the meeting, Windmill Hill and Malago Community Planning Group (WHaM) secretary Dianne James, said: “To approve the plans, the committee would have been going against newly approved council guidlines, so I am pleased a majority did the right thing and refused to accept this second rate scheme. I would like to challenge the three councillors

who voted to approve the plans to justify how they came to their decision. Would they have approved a similar scheme in their own ward? I also wonder if they had actually visited the site so they could see for themselves why the planning officer advised the committee to reject it.”

WHaM chair, Nick Townsend, said: “A2Dominion call themselves a developer with a social purpose but have refused to work with the community about the Pring site. Their plan was appalling and was rightly turned down.

“A local resident likened it to Trump’s wall. It would certainly feel like that for Windmill Hill residents.”

Simon Potts, A2Dominion’s Director of Strategic Land and Projects, said: “We are disappointed by the planning committee’s decision to reject our proposals.

“The site has been derelict for a number of years and we were keen to support the regeneration of East Street and provide much needed homes that will contribute economically and culturally to the community.

“We are now considering our options for the Malago Road site.”

“ensure the council’s emerging Strategic Transport Assessment for the area can be delivered”.

Providing homes is just one element of the proposed development – it will also include a cinema, retail space and restaurants, as part of the transformation of the existing St Catherine’s shopping arcade.

At the time South Bristol Voice went to print, a date had not been set for the council’s planning committee to consider the plans but it was anticipated that a decision could made over the coming months.

Francis Firmstone, director of Firmstone said: “Since we submitted our proposals last October, the new Bedminster Green Framework has been agreed and we’ve also received further feedback from local people, stakeholders and planners and so we have altered our plans to respond to these.

“We have worked incredibly hard to tackle the issues raised by reducing the heights and bulk of the larger building, making

provision for affordable homes and providing land to enable a bus lane to be able run along the front of our development.

With the high street facing major challenges up and down the country, it’s really important to be able to move on the regeneration of this area as soon as possible.”

As part of the wider Bedminster Green development, plans have been submitted by Dandara to build 329 homes in Little Paradise, but the developer is still due to put forward its proposals for the land adjacent to Dalby Avenue. Deeley Freed, the developers earmarked for the Dalby Avenue car par, is also still to submit a planning application.

Firmstone’s revised plans can be viewed and commented on, online at bit.ly/firmstone. Firmstone is attending WHaM’s next meeting on September 30, 8.30pm at Windmill Hill Community Centre to speak with group members and hear their views.

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n NEWS

Bus changes - we’re being left out on a limb From Page 1 residents complained that the shuttle service only runs from 7am until 7pm, Monday to Saturday, and on one occasion the bus was so late, they missed the last shuttle.

Outside of these hours, the 24 service follows the route along the A370 to reach Langley Crescent, as originally proposed.

There were also complaints about the accessibility of the buses for wheelchair users, with an electric wheelchair user struggling to fit through the mouth of the bus.

In response, Mr Freeman said that he would investigate the complaints and assured attendees of the meeting that First only deploys buses that are wheelchair friendly.

One resident said that the changes were a “massive cockup” and said that she felt that Ashton Vale residents were being

left out on a limb.

She said: “We have to catch a bus to catch a bus – it’s just not logical. We had a good service when it ran properly.”

The shuttle service had also broken down on two occasions and a member of the AVT group had to put up posters in the area informing residents of the new service changes – a job which the council is responsible for.

At the meeting, Mr Freeman thanked the residents for their feedback and said that First will try and deal with the issues raised “as competently as possible”.

He also reassured residents that the service will continue after Christmas – a concern which was being aired by bus users.

He said: “The new pattern of service is as yet just a couple of days old and we will all be watching closely to see how it works in practice as customers

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The new 24 double decker bus service makes it way towards Southmead Hospital their concerns.

“The main concern of residents, many elderly and disabled was what it involves having to catch two buses when they previously had a perfectly good bus service before the change to a double decker.

“Also, that the shuttle bus is only 7am-7pm during the week and Saturdays but not on Sundays or bank holidays.

“They were also very concerned about having a long walk back home in the dark.

There were also issues with electric wheelchairs having problems getting on and off the buses.

“AVT will continue to do their best to work with James to hopefully resolve any issues that residents have about our bus service in Ashton Vale.”

become familiar with them.

“The feedback received through these AVT meetings is incredibly helpful and we will continue to keep in touch.”

A spokesperson from AVT said: “James Freeman very kindly agreed to come to our meeting at very short notice to speak to residents and to listen to

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n NEWS

Could the community save popular local pub?

It’s a much-loved pub at the “social heart” of the local community but the future of The Windmill is hanging in the balance as its owners still struggle to find a buyer.

If the pub is not sold, then it could be converted into flats – but Mike Cranney, director of Bar Wars Ltd, which owns The Windmill, says that this is a “last resort”.

In a statement issued to the local community by Mr Cranney, he says he is “still hopeful” that a buyer will be found for The Windmill which has now been on the market for some time.

The price of the pub has recently been reduced to encourage a sale, but Mr Cranney says that it cannot continue running at a loss.

On social media, much sadness has been expressed about the potential closure – some people have even suggested the idea of the community clubbing together to purchase

the pub.

Mr Cranney said in a statement: “It is with deep regret that we have to announce the forthcoming closure of The Windmill Pub. As many on the Hill will be aware the pub has been for sale for many months. Unfortunately we have not been able to find a buyer. The sad fact is that the pub has been running at a loss for some time.

“We are extremely sensitive to the needs of the community and have always done our best to position ourselves at the social heart of Windmill Hill.

“We hope that the remaining establishments on the hill continue to benefit from the patronage of local residents and are stronger as a result of our closure.

“The price of the pub has recently been reduced and we are still hopeful that we will find a buyer, but we cannot continue to run at a loss.

“Therefore, if we are not able to secure a buyer, we are exploring the option of putting in a planning application for change of use to convert the pub into flats.

“We can assure you that if we do need to pursue this

route, any redevelopment would retain and preserve the facade, retain the footprint and leave a development in place of the pub that will be well-liked and appreciated.”

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n NEWS

Let there be light! Huge local support for 9th lantern parade

South Bristol’s largest community project - The Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade - is at last under way for its 9th year due to overwhelming support from the local community, schools and businesses.

There is no public money for three months of lanternmaking workshops followed by the spectacular Winter Lantern Parade - it happens because BS3 wants it! This year there has been greater support from businesses along the route. They will receive public recognition with specially made BWL 2019 window stickers.

People in BS3 have also made contributions and come up with novel fundraising ideas. Lime

Road donated proceeds from their street party in September.

Organisers say community support for ‘Bemmy Lanterns’ has exceeded all expectations and it has also brought about a decision to move the actual Parade date to the new year.

Saturday, January 11, from 4pm will be the climax of the project, when thousands of people will turn up on the main streets of BS3 to watch the spectacular parade.

Organisers say they are seeking volunteers.

Spokesman Malcolm Brammar said: “Behind the scenes the major operational effort to ensure the smooth

running and safety of the project has begun: and now the drive for 70 volunteer road stewards begins.

“Without stewards, the parade won’t happen: if you can put your

name on the list even at this early stage, please contact info@bwlp. org.uk.

“You’ll need to be available between 3 and 7 pm on January 11, 2020.”

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ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST Medicine shortages and Brexit?

What to believe (Part 2) If you are reading this and thinking, I am sure that Ade has written about this before ...you are right! I wrote about Brexit and medicines earlier in the spring.

Mrs May was the Prime Minister with a working majority, ‘’yellowhammer’’ was a crossword high scorer name of a bird and ‘‘prorogation’’ I thought was something related to industrial cleaning.

Well today, all that has changed.

The release of the government’s no-deal Brexit worst-case scenario report, Yellowhammer, has raised very worrying concerns. Shortages of food, medicines, stories of plans to cope with the effects of all this.

Medicines go out of supply from time to time. In the last few months, blood pressure tablets, adrenaline injections for emergency allergy treatment, anti-inflammatory medications and more recently, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have all made the news. Bedminster pharmacy has been busy trying to source from multiple suppliers, working in many cases with other pharmacies and local doctors to resolve.

None of this so far has been linked to Brexit. Medicines, like every part of our lives, now are interconnected.

Most people do not realise that 3 out of 4 medicines are

with Ade Williams Ade Williams of Bedminster Pharmacy shows how pharmacies can help people with a variety of health conditions, and ease pressure on the NHS transported into the UK via Europe because most cannot be made in this country. A flood or fire in China or India can put manufacturing on hold with the ‘domino effect‘ affecting us in South Bristol within a week. The world is global, nothing and no one can live or survive in isolation.

No-deal Brexit fears now see us daily reassuring our patients about how they will get hold of medicines in the coming months.

The government is telling us that plans are all in place to cope after we leave the EU. The questions for the government are: Is the system ready? Will all the bits that need to work together to protect lives work well?

Our advice to our patients about managing their medicines remains: • Order regular medication on time; don’t leave it to the last minute. Get your FREE NHS flu jab early in Bedminster pharmacy today.

• Don’t try and stockpile medicines. This only creates shortages.

• If there is a shortage, speak to your pharmacist or GP, who are working together to provide alternatives.

While no one really knows exactly what will happen, Bedminster Pharmacy is not leaving anything to chance. Do not doubt our resolve to make sure none of our patients suffer. Our work as part of the Bristol Travel Clinic, a vaccination and travel health provider in Bristol offering a price-match and the lowest cost guarantee, means we have to be ready, whatever happens, to keep our promises. We are now looking to the government to do the same for our patients, deal or no-deal.

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October 2019

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n NEWS WESTERN HARBOUR

This is why our garden centre is worth saving A local garden centre, which could be sunk by controversial plans to redesign the Cumberland Basin, says that the response to its plight has been “overwhelmingly positive”, with hundreds of people signing a petition to save the business.

At the time South Bristol Voice went to print, the Riverside Garden Centre in Southville had gathered over 900 signatures online with hundreds more people signing a paper petition in store.

Petitions need 3,500 signatures to trigger a debate in council and one of the local social enterprise’s directors, Steve Shaw, says he is confident that the garden centre will gain the support.

A meeting has also been organised in the coming weeks between garden centre staff and Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees to discuss the business’ concerns over the Western Harbour proposals, which could see a

new bridge being built across the garden centre’s car park.

Mr Shaw said: “It’ll be good to sit across the table from the mayor and hopefully help him understand what the garden centre is about and why we should stay here. Ultimately, it’s unknown what will come out of our meeting, but it’ll be good to put our point of view across – that can’t be a bad thing.

“We also want to ask, what next? What are you going to do with all this information now that we’ve had this initial engagement? How will you draw this all together and when will you tell us your conclusions?”

The initial engagement period to give feedback about the three designs ended on September 15, but the mayor has come under mounting pressure to publish details of the other designs considered as part an initial feasibility study.

A petition calling for the full report to be published has now

reached over 3,500.

In a blog post shared by Mayor Marvin Rees about Western Harbour, he said: “There have been a number of concerns raised about the prospect of change to Western Harbour. For our part, we wanted to talk with people as early in the process as possible,

to get their views. It’s not been a formal consultation, but an effort to ensure as many of the challenges and opportunities were presented at the very start.

“We will publish the wider plans for the housing and mixed use in Western Harbour as soon as we can.”

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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

October 2019

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n CREATIVE COLUMN

Secrets of the wild come to life in new children’s book

W

indmill Hill authors Sean Taylor (pictured, right) and Alex Morss (left) have teamed up to write a new children’s nature book.

Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story mixes storytelling with science, in a woodland adventure exploring where all sorts of wild creatures disappear to and revealing the natural history of hidden wildlife. It is a book of contrasts: summer versus winter, feast and famine, light and darkness, warmth and chill, apparent versus hidden life and the many ways animals get through winter.

Alex has written regularly for the Voice and is also an ecologist working with lots of wildlife, she said: “The trigger for Winter Sleep was a chance conversation with Sean. It’s inspired by many things - among them an adorable snoring dormouse, curious children, wild mysteries and magical memories of adventures with grandparents, and a desire to explore and share some amazing secrets from the wild.”

Sean Taylor is an award winning author who has written dozens of children’s books, while this is Alex’s first one. The book is available in book shops and online now (published September 17). *Meet the authors and find out more about Winter Sleep during the Windmill Hill Arts Trail on October 5 and 6; or during Bristol’s new Storytale children’s book festival taking place down in the woods at Arnos Vale Cemetery at 11.00am on October 28; or at Storysmith book shop on North Street, at 11.00am on December 7.

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Write to news@southbristolvoice.co.uk or to ‘Bring your grandparent’ for LETTERS 111 Broadfield Rd, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2UX

Ruining the peace Marvin Rees is right to act on mental health, both prevention and care. However the new road proposals will worsen the situation. The present layout allows walks in a green setting on the west bank of the river. The area around the Nova Scotia is peaceful for much of the day, gives wide open views of the Gorge and Clifton and is a pleasant route to the Docks. The threatened and much-loved Garden Centre gives more open space and provides a place of social interaction and encourages the peaceful and absorbing hobby of gardening with its beneficial contact with nature.

To redirect heavy traffic from the relatively isolated Plimsoll Bridge system to areas currently enjoyed by people seems wrong.

Adding more buildings will further take away the open feel of the area. If the need for building land is a driver then surely, in an area the size of Bristol, more suitable areas can be found, each possibly smaller than this. This

is not money well-spent. Any outside investors in the scheme will be sure to secure a good profit for themselves.

Bob and Louise Watts, Southville

Calling all choirs As part of making Greater Bedminster (BS3) more agefriendly, we’ve been looking at activities for older people. There are lots and not least of these is joining a choir. This is usually lots of fun and a good chance to make new friends, but not always easy if you are shy or have a physical impairment or, perhaps, early stages of dementia.

We have already identified a few of our local choirs but would be interested in others that, more or less, draw their support from BS3. In particular, we’d like to hear about choirs that welcome older people, meet in accessible buildings and are generally supportive of people with disabilities, whatever their age. I hope that readers will contact me (benbarker@blueyonder.co.uk) if they can recommend such a choir.

Ben Barker

planting day at Berry Maze

Young and old will come together next month for a special day of planting at the Berry Maze in Malago Greenway, thanks to a grant from the Bedminster Secret Garden team.

The event will be held on October 5, 10am-12.30pm and organisers are inviting grandparents and grandchildren along to plant herbs and flowers, such as rosemary and lavender, throughout the maze.

Young families or elderly residents who are unable to bring along grandparents or grandchildren are welcome along too. Organisers will pair up children and their parents with local elders, so that no one feels left out. Organisers at the Berry Maze say that they are delighted with the £208 grant, which has been used to buy the plants.

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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

October 2019

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12

n NEWS A week-long festival celebrating the wonderful world of children’s books is coming to Southville and beyond.

Storytale is an exciting new festival founded by local residents Ellie Freeman and author Kate Frost.

Taking place in various venues around the city as well as Southville, it is accessible and affordable with organisers saying there will be something for everyone, from interactive and sensory storytelling for tots to inspiring talks and workshops for teens.

Chapter 1 of the Storytale Festival begins on Friday, October 25, with prequel events leading up to it.

Youngsters can go on adventures with storytellers as they bring words and pictures to life, and journey through the pages with Bristol’s talented children’s book authors and illustrators as they give you exclusive access to the tales behind their books.

Storytale’s flagship event, Wild Writing with Anna Wilson,

Read all about it! Festival of children’s books for half term Co-founders Ellie (second, right) and Kate (third, right) at the festival’s launch event

Chris Vick and Mimi Thebo will open the main festival on Saturday, October 26 at the Victoria Rooms with a wildly fun session featuring huge cardboard animals! On the same day, more wild and wonderful creatures can be discovered during BBC producer Justin Anderson’s Secrets of Snow Leopards event happening at Stanfords, Corn Street while children will love

being immersed in stories and creating their own characters with illustrators Paula Bowles and Nicola Colton during their events, Superkitty at the Elephant House, Dean Street, Southville on November 2 and Smart Kitties and Mucky Pups at Storysmith, North Street on November 1.

Festival highlights will include The Picture Book Process

with illustrator Sean Julian hosted by PIP at the Tobacco Factory on October 28.

With dozens of events for all ages taking place in various venues throughout Bristol, there’ll be something for everyone.

Storytale Festival runs over October half term from October 26 to November 3. The full programme of events and more information can be found at www.storytalefestival.com Facebook: facebook.com/storytalefest/ Twitter: twitter.com/StorytaleFest Instagram: instagram.com/storytalefest/

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n NEWS

New deli and cafe opens - and customers say it’s Flippin’ good!

The owner of a new vegan deli and cafe says that she has been heartened by the response she has received from the local community since opening in North Street.

Sophie Fox – pictured (centre) with staff – who also runs Cafe Create at the Create Centre, launched Flip in August and already, it has received rave reviews and positive feedback from customers.

An official opening event was held on September 5.

Almost everything you will eat from the kitchen or deli counter is homemade – and that even includes the bagels, black pudding and sausages on the breakfast menu.

The shelves are full to the brim with essential vegan products, such as liquid smoke, banana blossom and jackfruit, which are often used in contemporary vegan recipes.

Vegan dog food and baby food can also be purchased at Flip.

And the café is dog friendly.

Sophie, who co-owns Flip with husband Pierre, says that

she is proud to be working with local food producers and suppliers.

Hot drinks can only be taken away in reusable cups and all takeaways will be in compostable and reusable packaging.

Sophie, who was vegetarian before making the transition to

become a vegan over a year ago, has many ideas for the café – she wants to develop the deli counter to include takeaway homemade meals. She also wants to introduce more Asian products and meals to the shelves and specials menu, such as udon noodles and ramen bowls.

Prior to owning cafes, Sophie ran her own cookery school – the Good Cook School – and she plans to run drop-in cookery classes for kids in the build-up to Christmas.

Sophie said: “We’ve had really good reviews and people in the local area know we’re here. I’ve been surprised at the number of vegan customers we’ve had but on the whole, most of our customers are almost vegan.”

The café is called Flip to embody the idea of people transitioning in and out of veganism.

Flip can be found at 81 North Street and more information about the café and deli can be found online at: www.flipfood. co.uk. It is open Tuesday to Friday, 8.30-6.30, Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 10-4.

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October 2019

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14

n Q&A WITH JANE DUFFUS

Author Jane Duffus.

Photo by Jon Craig

Setting the record straight for women Anyone who has had the enjoyment of reading Windmill Hill author Jane Duffus’ ‘The Women Who Built Bristol’ will be delighted to know that more captivating stories about the city’s inspiring, yet overlooked, females are on their way. Volume two will be launching later this month, so we caught up with Jane to find out more …

What motivated you to publish a second book about The Women Who Built Bristol? The Women Who Built Bristol was originally intended to be a oneoff, standalone book. But at the launch party for Volume One, my proofreader Kim told me to give her a nod when I was ready to get started on volume two. I looked at her in exhausted horror and said ‘not a chance!’ But once Volume One was out there, and I’d tidied away all the piles of research, I started to really miss all the old dead women who had come to populate my life… Once you start looking for interesting dead women, you can’t stop finding them! Before I knew it, Volume Two was writing itself. There are still so many stories to share about these

wonderful women who, on the whole, are unknown to most of us.

We can’t move for men’s history but women’s history is largely ignored.

So I’m on a mission to try and set the record straight.

What can readers expect from the second volume? In Volume Two, there are 250 brand new women to read about. They range from actors to zoologists and everything in between. To be included in either book, the woman needs to be dead, but one big difference is that in Volume One I only included women who had had a positive influence on Bristol. However, for Volume Two I’ve widened that out to include a few bad eggs - so there are about 15 women who certainly didn’t do

MERCHANTS’ ACADEMY

good things (one was a serial killer, another was a highway robber, another helped bury her husband under the floorboards) but whose stories nonetheless have helped to shape Bristol and are still important. I think it is important not to edit history in a false light - while almost all of the women in Bristol’s past contributed good things, it’s certainly not true to say that every single woman had a good heart because a tiny handful definitely didn’t.

How did you discover these women’s stories? The women come from all sorts of places. I qualified as a journalist back in 2001 and worked in London for lots of newsstand magazines for a decade or so, and my journalistic

background has certainly come in handy when playing detective with the dead. Some of the women I found as a throwaway mention in existing history books, and I then did more hunting in the newspaper archives, census reports and so on. Some I found in cemetery records or cathedral plaques. I also trawl secondhand and junk shops looking for old booklets and pamphlets about Bristol that might lead to clues. One advantage for Volume Two is that people began to get in touch having seen Volume One, saying, for instance, “Did you know about Edith Gilliard? She was my old piano teacher and, oh, the stories I could tell you!”

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n Q&A WITH JANE DUFFUS than a faceless online retailer.

However, I also sell copies direct via mail order from my website and can sign messages to people in the books if they leave me a note with their order (janeduffus.bigcartel. com/). Similarly, I do a lot of talks and sell and sign copies after the talks. If people buy direct from me, it actually means I get more money, so I’d encourage anyone to do that! Details of my talks are on my

Nothing makes my email inbox brighter than an email from a reader recommending their own wonderful woman for the book.

We’d love to hear about some of the local women included … could you give us an overview of some of their stories (without giving too much away, of course!)? Because I’ve lived in Windmill Hill for eight years, I’ve got my own bias towards this area so there are quite a few entries of women from Bedminster, Southville and so on.

• Lillian Allen of 22 St John’s Lane was one of the very first female motorcyclists in Bristol.

• Eliza Stokes was just 15 when she married Captain James Gardner in 1830: they became the matron and governor of Bristol New Gaol on Cumberland Road • Suffragist Mabel Cross prioritised working-class women by becoming the Superintendent of the Bedminster Maternity Centre and School for Mothers in December 1914.

website (www.janeduffus.com/).

The Women Who Built Bristol: Volume Two, published by Tangent, is out from October 21.

If anyone wants to get in touch to suggest their own wonderful woman with a Bristol connection, please email janeduffusbooks@ gmail.com The full Q&A with Jane can be read online at southbristolvoice.co.uk

Low-cost toenail cutting you can trust Where will people be able to pick up the book locally? Storysmith on North Street will be stocking it, so please do support them. But all the Bristol bookshops will have it, and I would strongly urge anyone who is interested to please buy it from a physical bookshop rather

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Life changing Open Morning

Thursday 7 November 10.00am–12.00 noon Tours and taster sessions available throughout the term Call Hollie Matthews on 0117 933 9631 to arrange a visit.

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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16

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October 2019

n ART ON THE HILL: ARTIST PROFILE

How art helped me cope during my darker times

For Windmill Hill artist, Danielle Greenwood, creating Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) art has been a way of therapy.

It has helped her cope with the heartbreak of losing loved

ones, and the annual Mexican celebration – held in November – offers her an opportunity to celebrate, rather than mourn, the lives of those lost.

Her artwork – which will be exhibited on the Art on the Hill trail in Windmill Hill on October 5-6 – has also helped others deal with grief.

Danielle, left, said: “I lost a brother at 11 and have since lost many family members over the years, including my father, but Day of the Dead is a good way to keep talking about them and remembering them every year.”

Danielle’s fascination with Day of the Dead and its related artwork, which includes brightly decorated sugar skulls and crosses, was inspired by growing up in El Paso, Texas – a city heavily influenced by Mexican culture and tradition.

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October 2019

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n ART ON THE HILL: ARTIST PROFILE Danielle says that she hopes that through her art, she can educate people about the meaning of the annual holiday, which honours loved ones who have passed on.

“Day of the Dead is nothing to do with Halloween, neither is it a fashion statement,” Danielle added. “There is so much more to it – it’s beautiful, not scary – it’s all about remembrance and celebrating, rather than mourning.”

The majority of Danielle’s artwork is created using upcycled materials, for example, she finds old and unused frames and makes them ornate and beautiful again.

Besides skulls, heart pieces and crosses, Danielle also creates cushions and earrings. Each piece she produces is unique.

Danielle regularly returns to Texas to see her family and uses the opportunity to source authentic Mexican trinkets for her art pieces.

It is the fourth year that Danielle, who also teaches ukulele, has exhibited on the Art

on the Hill trail. She said: “It’s such a great and cheap way for people to exhibit, and it’s also a great opportunity for people to get to know the true artist by going into their homes. Artists can express themselves more in a comfortable zone.

“The first time I ever exhibited, I was so nervous and scared, but I sold loads of stuff –

I couldn’t believe people wanted to buy it. It’s definitely a good way to encourage confidence in artists.”

Danielle has lived in the UK for 23 years but moved to Bristol six years ago. She said that she was “very excited” to live in a neighbourhood where she could join a trail.

As well as exhibiting, Danielle also runs authentic sugar skull workshops throughout the year.

She will also be creating a Dia de los Muertos ‘ofrenda’ – an alter to leave photos and offerings to lost loved one – in the crypt at Arnos Vale Cemetery.

For more information about Danielle, her artwork and events, visit: www. vivalosmuertos.co.uk or www.facebook.com/ vivalosmuertosuk More information about Art of the Hill trail and the trail map, can be found at: artonthehill.org.uk

JUNIORS OPEN MORNING Tuesday 12 Nov

RSVP if you can help The charity, Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP) is looking for volunteers to listen to pupils read in primary schools in South Bristol, to help them become fluent and confident readers and above all to enjoy books.

Volunteers usually work on a one to one basis with pupils and feel a sense of reward from knowing that by giving up some time they are making a difference to their futures.

‘Read on: Get on’, recently published by Save the Children, highlights the vital importance of reading as crucial to children’s life chances. A quarter of all children leave primary school unable to read well with 45% of low-income white British boys faring particularly badly.

You can download a membership form at www. rsvp-west.org.uk or contact Sue Andresen, at sue.andresen@ rsvp-west.org.uk or phone on 01275 394134/07817848290.

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Seniors Open Morning Tuesday 22 October

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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Ashton Park School proud to introduce

Sixth form open evening Wednesday November 6 6-8pm Ashton Park School, Blackmoors Lane, Bower Ashton, Bristol BS3 2JL 0117 377 2777 Apply online at www.ashtonpark.net To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

October 2019

southbristolvoice

n THE CITY PAGE

19

BRISTOL CITY ROUND-UP

Han-Noah certainly not just a kid with big hair MARTIN POWELL says one of City’s younger players has the potential to be a star of European football for many years to come

I

Han-Noah Massengo’s ability (and his hair) have been a big hit with team-mates and fans alike

f you want to see a future superstar of European football, get yourself down to Ashton Gate and feast your eyes on Han-Noah Massengo.

For many Bristol City fans, the tension of following the team week in and week out means they can’t enjoy the moment much. So, when the club forked out good money for a lad just turned 19, those who always have an opinion in the pub – who now bore everyone else with it on social media – were quick to criticise.

Why buy someone that age when we are loaning other lads that age out so they can get experience? OK, he had played one game in the Champions League but he was in a side that lost heavily.

He just seemed to be a kid with big hair.

I suspect he played more 90 minute games at the start of the season than manager Lee

Johnson intended, thanks to injuries to others, but he has certainly impressed and given an answer to those critics.

That outrageous hair seems to have a much older player’s experienced brain hidden in it somewhere. His combination of youth and know-how indicates he is going to play at the top level one day – and let’s hope it is next season with Bristol City.

The great thing about watching Championship football is that you see some of the best players before those people glued to Premier League televised games even know who they are.

Tammy Abraham at Chelsea was a joy at Bristol City a couple of seasons ago and now he is among the Premier League top scorers. Teemu Pukki is fast becoming a big name in the Premier League but he shone equally in the Championship with Norwich City.

Massengo is one that will be a major name in the game in a

few years’ time and here he is in BS3 right now.

City have got off to a great start and let’s hope that they can compete at the top of the table all season. Massengo is one of a number of players in a strong but youthful squad which is good enough to dominate Championship games and yet have the potential to improve.

The blend of youth and experience is about right this year. When Tomas Kalas, arguably the club’s best defender, suffered an injury, the club had to root around in the bargain bin for a replacement and somehow found Welsh international captain Ashley Williams without a club. He promptly put in a stirring performance against Stoke City, where he was on loan last year, to keep City’s early season unbeaten away form going. Players will come and go but the current crop are certainly worth watching.

Martin’s shorts

Bristol City Manager Lee Johnson has revealed that he spent some time with the SAS in the summer. He said that part of the discussion was over post traumatic stress that players might “suffer” after a loss. I’m not entirely convinced that losing on penalties to QPR is quite the same as weeks lying in a ditch in Afghanistan but if Lee can follow the motto of “Who Dares Wins” everyone will be happy!

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n YOUR COUNCILLORS Southville

A

October 2019

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few things trundling along...

Western Harbour I’d advise everyone in Charlie Southville and Bolton especially the Green Ashton end to be on Southville this. While it won’t happen for a few years, it has the potential to make a major difference to the area.

Riverside Garden Centre may go, who knows what will happen to the Tannery, green space might go (opposite Create), the towpath might be affected and the existing bridge replaced with one or two others.

A substantial amount of housing could be built on our side of the river. The consultation closed in mid-September, so if you

Got news? Email Becky on news@ southbristolvoice.co.uk

missed the consultation this time, it will certainly come back, and I would advise you to make sure you know what you think about it.

Scaffolding by the Steam Crane I received some complaint about this – the problem being people having to move into the road because the scaffolding blocked the pavement.

I have been told the scaffolding has now gone, so phew!

Bollards at Holy Cross After three years of lobbying, ie since the run-up to the 2016 election, I am now hoping some bollards will have been installed by Holy Cross school.

The entrance is on a double right angled bend, and I have seen some pretty hairy driving (and walking and cycling and letting out of children, for that matter).

I hope the bollards help, but it says something about the difficulty of getting things done now, that such a small thing has taken so long.

T

How to contact your councillor: p2

he late great Bristol musician Adge Cutler once commented on the complexity of the road network Stephen in Cumberland Basin Clarke (perhaps after a few Green ciders) by singing Southville ‘where they goes nobody knows…’. Well, it seems little has changed in the fifty odd years since that was written, since it is pretty clear that nobody really knows what should happen to this vital part of the road network now it needs some serious maintenance.

The council are consulting on the choices (or at least some of them - see later) because the bridges and flyovers constructed in the 1960s require significant repair if they are to remain in use.

The council have, quite rightly in my view, decided to consider all options as it looks like the repair bill could be £40m plus. They say they are asking people to comment on three ‘new ideas’ to create a simpler road network and ‘unlock a

mixture of new homes, retail and leisure development…’.

So far so good, but a few problems have emerged. Firstly, no one thought to tell the wonderful Riverside Garden Centre about the plans. They found out at the same time as everyone else. This is despite the fact that two out of the three options would probably mean they have to close after 30 years of providing fantastic service to the locals in South Bristol.

Secondly; the three options offered are all new routes for the traffic. There is no option for the many people I have spoken to who would like to ‘fix up what is there already’. In other words the least intrusive option. Thirdly; it seems that the consultants being paid good money to do this job actually came up with ten options but, for some unknown reason, the paying public are not allowed to see the other seven. Why? The council should be open and transparent about all the possible options and should really listen to the people who will have to live with any changes for the next sixty years.

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October 2019

southbristolvoice

n YOUR COUNCILLORS Bedminster

S

ome residents of Ashton Vale have been anxious about changes to their local bus services.

Mark The highly Bradshaw popular 24 service Labour connects Bedminster Bedminster to the city centre and onwards to Southmead.

As it makes its way, the single decker buses currently in use fill up and people have to stand or, worse still, are unable to board. First Bus are now using double deckers on the route and, following local pleas, they agreed to run a single deck shuttle bus into Ashton Vale.

Passengers have needed to get off the 24 and use the 24A shuttle from 15th September.

Double deck buses cannot access Ashton Drive from the Robin’s end due to a low railway bridge.

Other routes, such as along Colliters Way, are dependent on traffic and First are trialling an

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off-peak double deck service terminating at Langley Crescent.

As councillors, we have made clear the needs of Ashton Vale, but also of wider Bedminster, for a more reliable service. In addition, the Metrobus route links Ashton Vale and the local pedestrian route to the Silbury Road stop needs improving. In time, further changes may be needed to meet growing demand for public transport. New bus-only infrastructure currently used by Metrobus and the Airport services runs very close to Ashton Vale and this stands ready to be used.

What this shows is that despite the talk of ‘mass transit’, Bristol will continue to depend on good quality bus links for a long time to come.

A focus on improving these services is vital to ensure they become more affordable and integration of tickets and routes becomes more prevalent. Futuristic maps are all well and good, but people want their bus to be on time, to be able to get a seat and afford the ticket price!

I

How to contact your councillor: p2

t is good to hear that in times when finances have been so restricted, new ways of working can make real Celia difference to Phipps people’s lives. Adult Labour social care supports Bedminster 6,000 people in Bristol, 2,000 of whom live in a residential or nursing care setting.

The Better Lives programme aims to improve outcomes for all people with care and support needs and enables as many people as possible to live independently.

Up until recently, placement in a care setting in Bristol has been higher than many other local authorities. Last month the cabinet approved a change to the pricing strategy for residential and nursing placements for people with long term impairments to allow the council to use a price guide as the basis of negotiations, rather than allowing providers to set their own price for the care needed.

A range of guide prices which

reflect the differing needs of those who require services can be set, whilst understanding that for some, a residential care setting may still be the best setting.

The people’s directorate is committed to promoting independence in the least restrictive provision available, as this is the preferred option for most people. These changes are good news as they will have a beneficial effect on the ability to deliver a wider range of independence at home options, including assisitive technology items, extra care housing and supported living.

Alongside the pricing work, a review of social work practice has been conducted and together, these changes make positive steps towards better independence by preventing, reducing or delaying the need for long term support.

We are always pleased to discuss issues with you so please drop in to see us on the first Saturday each month, back at Mezzaluna on West St, between 11-12pm or please contact us via mobile or phone.

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October 2019

southbristolvoice

22

n TAKE A BREAK

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8

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Can you count how many ice creams there are of each shape?

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Each 3x3 box, every row and every column must contain the numbers 1-9, with each used only once. Can you crack it?

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n HISTORY Avon Gorge PART 1 The Gorge conquered: Clifton Suspension Bridge spans 700 feet of the Avon Gorge. From Lippincott’s Magazine, 1878

OK, so it’s not strictly speaking in South Bristol.

But many of us can see it from our windows, and the Suspension Bridge is one of the most famous views in the nation. The Avon Gorge almost defines Bristol: it carries the River Avon, the very reason for the city’s success. But as well as a natural wonder, and a historic trade route, it has always been a place of danger. From speedboat racing to pilots who couldn’t resist a thrill, it has attracted risk-takers, some of whom paid with their lives. And there have been other tragedies and near-misses too many to mention. Here we select just a few stories from the incident-packed life of the Avon Gorge …

T

HE CLIFTON Suspension Bridge looks to us like a part of the landscape. It fits so naturally and gracefully into the Avon Gorge that it seems as if it has always been there.

But building it was a feat of unimaginable expense and complexity and it took 111 years from the first plan to the eventual opening in 1864.

Dozens of experienced engineers were convinced no bridge could span the 700ft divide, yet Isambard Kingdom Brunel had faith in his calculations and pressed for his design to be chosen out of 22 entries in a competition in 1831.

Even his father, Marc, did not believe such a large suspension bridge could be built, but Brunel ignored him.

He was influenced by his close friend from South Bristol, Sarah Guppy, the pioneering female engineer who has only recently been given the prominence she

Strange tales of the Avon Gorge

Our view of the Avon Gorge, the iconic setting for Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge could be about to change if controversial plans for the Cumberland Basin are approved. But the Gorge is more than picturesque: it’s proved a deadly hazard and a temptation too far for everyone from seafarers to daredevil pilots, writes Paul Breeden deserves. Guppy made a fortune with her husband in patenting a system for protecting Royal Navy ships from rot, and lived in great style at Arnos Manor on Bath Road, where she entertained Brunel.

Guppy was one of Britain’s first experts on suspension bridges and seems certain to have talked about the Clifton bridge with Brunel – although her own early design for spanning the Gorge was not submitted for the competition.

The younger Brunel’s brave plan was proved right – but only after his death. Though work started on the bridge as soon as his plan was selected the winner in 1831, it was not be finished until 1864. Between those dates, Bristol was home to one of most curious tourist attractions ever seen – the subject of our first tale.

THE TWO BASKETEERS Work on the new bridge had only been under way for four months when Bristol erupted in rioting, provoked by the House of Lords’ rejection of the Great Reform Bill. Brunel himself was signed up as a special constable but nothing could stop the rioters ransacking the fine houses in Queen Square.

Peace was soon restored, but the confidence of investors was not. Funds for the new bridge dried up, and work did not restart until 1836. Progress was made, but only on the stone towers that were to support the bridge either side of the gorge.

Even these were not as fine as Brunel had hoped. They were finished in undressed stone, and the sphinxes that Brunel had hoped to place atop each one could not be afforded.

What would be our attitude to the bridge today if each side was topped with an enormous Egyptian figurehead?

The towers completed, the best method of constructing the iron suspension bridge continued to be debated. The exact design and the cost could not be agreed.

All that connected the two stone towers, each 85ft (26m) tall, was a single iron bar. Just 1.25 inches (32mm) thick, it was 1,000 feet (305m) long and was in itself a marvel of Victorian engineering.

It was used to transport materials between the two sides, in a container slung underneath.

Amazingly, it was this precarious contraption which provided for many years the equivalent of the scariest of theme park rides to Victorian thrill-seekers.

A basket was attached to the rod – which must have appeared as substantial as a paper clip when extended across the gorge – and the reckless adventurers pulled from one side to the other.

The rod had an alarming bend in the middle, so when nearing either side of the gorge, the basket had to be pulled up towards the landing place. And one day the inevitable happened – the rope broke, by sheer luck without fatal consequences.

As the Bristol Mercury reported on August 14, 1841: “Two gentlemen who had arrived by the railway on a party of pleasure, were induced to pass over the river in the basket attached to the iron rod, which passes from side to side.

The party had arrived within a few feet of the landing, when the rope suddenly broke and the basket was rapidly impelled back to the centre of the rod.

Considerable alarm was felt by the spectators on the shore, by the passengers in a steam-packet passing beneath at the time, and more particularly by the affrighted tenants of the basket themselves, who however, were ultimately relieved without any Continued overleaf

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n HISTORY Avon Gorge PART 1 Continued from previous page personal injury.”

The Mercury went on to report that “this dangerous practice of passing over” would soon be ended, “as the contractors have at last succeeded to the satisfaction of Mr Brunel, in welding iron for the chains of a proper consistency, and there is now every prospect of the work progressing as soon as the weather shall prove favourable.”

But this was wishful thinking, as Brunel hadn’t got the chains right, and he was in fact to re-use the links from a bridge he had already built at Hungerford.

The rod and basket contraption was reportedly still in use in the 1850s.

And, amazingly, given that the workmen had to dance across the chasm every day to complete the bridge, there were only two deaths in the entire project.

HAZARDS OF NAVIGATION It wasn’t only the height of

the Avon Gorge that made it dangerous. The river itself has claimed countless lives. It is not only home to the second-highest tidal range in the world of 49ft (15m), but the passage to the sea is packed with bends and constantly-changing currents.

Even with one an experienced pilot from Pill on board, each journey in a large vessel was a risk. It was one of the reasons why Bristol gradually lost custom to more accessible ports such as Liverpool. As vessels got bigger, the dangers of the Avon Gorge grew too. Shipbuilder William Patterson was well-known in Bristol for his revolutionary vessels – he had built the paddle steamer Great Western for Brunel, the largest passenger ship in the world when it was launched in the Floating Harbour in 1838.

Patterson went on to build Brunel’s even more famous Great Britain in 1845. Both were a tremendous success, proving the speed, reliability and carrying capacity of the new steam power.

Washed up: The Demerara, one of the largest ships ever built, blocked the Avon after hitting the banks of the Avon Gorge in 1851 PHOTO: Bristol Reference Library

It was no surprise then that the West India Mail Steamship Company should turn to Patterson to build the Demerara, a 3,000 ton giant paddle steamer, the largest ship in the world apart from Great Britain.

The Demerara’s hull was made in Bristol but her engines were to be fitted in Scotland – so on November 10, 1851, a Glasgow tug towed her out of the Cumberland basin.

But the tug captain had left

it late, and he piled on the speed to attempt to beat the tide. He could only manage seven or eight knots, about twice walking pace, but Patterson, who was on board his new vessel, knew it was too fast. He asked the pilot to reduce speed, but it was too late.

A later inquiry blamed the tug captain for initially failing to slacken speed at Patterson’s request. It also found that the tug was twice the size of most tugs that worked in the tight confines

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n HISTORY Avon Gorge PART 1 of the Avon Gorge.

Just after Round Point, one of the pinch points in the Avon within sight of the towers of the incomplete Suspension Bridge, the Demerara struck the bank. A print published in newspapers at the time shows the huge size of the vessel, and the hopelessness of getting her out to sea on anything other than a full tide.

The bow of the Demerara had struck rocks on the Bristol side, and the flowing tide pushed the stern out and across the river.

Not only was the ship severely damaged, with the deck twisting and rivets popping, but the Avon was entirely blocked – shutting off the entire harbour from the sea.

This was a disaster which had to be remedied as soon as possible. Thousands of people watched workmen battle through the night, by the light from blazing barrels of tar. They refloated the ship on the next tide and moored her against the bank. But as the tide ebbed away again she broke free, and once again lay across the river, suffering more damage.

Eventually, after enormous efforts by an army of workers and tugs, the ship was returned to the harbour.

The Demerara was insured for £48,000, equal to perhaps £180m today. The insurers thought the damage so bad they wrote her off. But she was repaired as a sailing ship – the world’s largest – and sold in July 1852, renamed the British Empire, for £5,600.

It was the beginning of the end for the Patterson business, which built ships at the Great Western yard (where the ss Great Britain lies today) and at Wapping shipyard across the harbour. Even the builder of the

world’s most famous ships was not immune from risk: Patterson lost £5,900 on the Demerara and then took a loss of £21,000 by the end of the 1850s on the rapid building of a series of warships for the Crimean War. Patterson had to sell the Wapping yard in 1858, and in 1865 he moved to Liverpool, leaving his son running a mere salvage business at Dean’s Marsh, close to the modern Centre.

More than a quarter of a century after the Demerara disaster it became clear that the hazards remained – and human error could make the situation worse. On May 12, 1878, the steamer Gipsy, en route with passengers from Bristol to Waterford, struck the Bristol bank near the Black Rocks – the large escarpment where the river turns left at the north-western edge of the Downs.

Just like the Demerara, Gipsy swung across the river, out of control, blocking it completely.

The passengers were taken off safely, but when the tide flowed out, her stern was on the Somerset bank and her bow on the Bristol side. With nothing to support her middle, the Gipsy broke in two.

The navy were called in, and Lieutenant Durnford and six men of the torpedo service took great pride in methodically blowing the ship up until there was nothing left. It took three weeks and many houses had their windows blown in by the explosions. One Bedminster lad was reported to have been struck by a piece of debris while watching from a quarter of a mile away on the Downs. He was taken to the Royal Infirmary, though it’s not recorded how he fared. On June 4, Lieut Durnford

Tragic consequences IT’S well known that many people have been tempted to take their own lives in the Avon Gorge.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge carries prominent notices from the Samaritans giving the number of a helpline for people considering taking their own lives.

The Voice has chosen not to focus on people who have taken their lives in the Gorge. Suicide is a complex subject with many possible causes. If you or anyone you know seems at risk of taking their life, call the Samaritans on 116 123 – the helpline is open 24 hours a day.

Other sources of help: Childline 0800 1111 – calls are free.

Depression Alliance: charity for people with depression. www.depressionalliance.org Students Against Depression studentsagainstdepression.org

spoke regretfully that the period of “fine practice” for him and his men had come to an end – but the river was cleared.

Sources History: The Clifton Suspension Bridge, cliftonbridge.org.uk Bristol Mercury, Clifton Suspension Bridge – An accident August 14, 1841 Bristol Radical History Society:

Wrecks on the River Avon, www. brh.org.uk/site/articles/wrecks-onthe-river-avon/ Bristol: Know Your Place, maps. bristol.gov.uk/knowyourplace/ NEXT MONTH: The magnificent men in their flying machines who braved the Avon Gorge to fly under the Suspension Bridge – not all of whom survived

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Broken backed: The wreck of the Gipsy had to be blown up by the Royal Navy when she blocked the River Avon in 1878 PHOTO: Bristol Reference Library

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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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n WHAT’S ON Saturday September 28 n Apple Day The Patchwork Community Gardening Group will be holding its annual Apple Day, 11am-3pm at the Dean Lane orchard (next to the Tap and Barrel pub). Bring along your apples, get involved in the pressing and try some delicious fresh juice. There will also be live music, cake and jam. For more information about the community gardening group, email: bemmiepatchwork@gmail.com or visit: www.facebook.com/ bedminsterpatchwork Thursday October 3 n Ashton Vale Together walkabout/litter pick meeting at the phone box on the corner of Silbury Road, 10am to clean up Silbury Road and Avebury Road finishing about 12 noon. Anyone who wishes to join will be most welcome.

Friday October 4 n Quiz night at St Paul’s Church, Coronation Road, 7.30pm. Teams of four, £5 per person including light refreshments. All are welcome.

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Saturday October 5 n Coffee morning at Bedminster Methodist Church, 10.30am to noon. There will be cake, book and bric-a-brac stall, plus tea and coffee.

Tuesday October 8 n Ashton Vale Together committee meeting at Ashton Vale Young Persons Club in Silbury Road from 6.30 pm 8pm. Anyone who wishes to join will be most welcome.

Saturday October 12 n Get Down and Disco at SouthBank Club, Dean Lane, 7.30pm - midnight. Fancy groovin’ on the dance floor to your fave disco classics?

Join this fundraising disco with DJ, prizes for best moves and gladrags. Visit southbankclub. webs.com or call 07732681522.

Saturday October 19 n Natterbooks at Bedminster Library, 10.30-11.30am. Local author Polly Ho-Yen (author of Boy in the Tower, Fly Me Home and Where Monsters Lie) will be visiting Natterbooks to talk about her books. For children in Years 3-6. Natterbooks runs every third

Saturday of the month - and is free! To sign up to Natterbooks and come to the author visit (or for more information), call 0117 903 8529.

Thursday October 24 n Avon Organic invites local gardeners and growers to our talk “British Garlic – History, Health & How to Grow” with Rob Solari, Isle of Wight Garlic Farm. 7pm, The Station, Silver St, BS1 2AG. £5/£3.50 student/ concession. groworganicbristol. org

SOUTH BRISTOL Wellbeing Choir Windmill Hill Community Centre, Vivian Street, Windmill Hill Every Thursday 7-8.30pm

A relaxed, fun choir with no need to audition.

No subscription, just a suggested donation (£5).

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Regular events n Bollywood Dance Workout a new class for ladies and girls aged 8+ who want to learn empowering and beautiful Bollywood dance. £7. Mondays, 6.30-7.15pm, Windmill Hill Community Centre, Vivian St. You can drop-in or book any class on Eventbrite or MoveGB. Facebook: Farrah’s Dance Workout. T: 07800 597718 n Feel Good Fitness is a brand new fun-filled exercise and dance class for all. Toddlers and babies welcome. £7. Fridays 9.30-10.30am, Windmill Hill Community Centre, Vivian St. You can drop-in or book any class on Eventbrite or MoveGB. Facebook: Farrah’s Dance Workout. T: 07800 597718 n House Party Dance Workout is an euphoric hiintensity workout class in the dark. £6. Tuesdays , 8-9pm, Amba House, 1 William St, Totterdown. And on Thursdays, 8-9pm, Windmill Hill Community Centre, Vivian St. You can drop-in or book any class on Eventbrite or MoveGB. Facebook: Farrah’s Dance Workout. T: 07800 597718 n Volunteers needed Come and learn where and how

to volunteer in BS3. MONDAY EVENINGS @ 6.30pm and TUESDAY MORNINGS @ 10.30am at the Tobacco Factory cafe/bar. n Little Music Makers musical storytelling adventures, featuring live music and hands on activities each week. Perfect for your 18 month - 4-year-old.

(Siblings under 1 can come for free!). Thursday mornings through to Christmas (closed 31/10/19). Sessions start at 9.45am or 10.50am in St Christopher’s Church Hall, Hampstead Road, BS4 3HN Get in touch to book or find out more: www.littlemusicmakers. org. n Gentle exercise sessions Seated and standing exercises, fun and friendly classes to improve strength and balance with expert instructor Michelle Kusnierek, Wednesdays 2-3pm at Knowle Methodist church hall BS4 2EP. Cost £4, with time for tea and a chat afterwards.

Sponsored by Bristol Ageing Better Community Kick Start Fund. Email timetomove5@ gmail.com or call 07981 756965o. n Never too old to disco at Charles Padfield Centre, Victoria Park Baptist Church, Sylvia Avenue, 10.45 - 11.45am.

Twice monthly disco class for those who still love to dance to old school disco favourites.

Learn simple routines to classic tunes in a relaxed, fun, yet very groovy class. Second and fourth Saturday of the month, every month. Next class, October 26, £7/class. For more information, contact Zoe. nevertoooldtodisco@gmail.com n Memories of Bedminster at South Bristol Christian Centre, Churchlands Road, 1.30pm.

The group meets every Monday, except during holiday periods.

Oct 7: Mysteries and More – Elizabeth Rhodes returns to relate more interesting facts from her researches. Oct 14: A talk by Chris explaining the ‘cat2tag’ – a medical alert system. Oct 21: Chairperson Chris Hurn provides a DVD showing scenes of local interest. Oct 28: Members afternoon – letting their hair down with a Halloween Party. n Zumba classes at United Reform Church, Brislington, BS4 3LG, Monday, 10am - Zumba Gold (suitable for 50+ and Zumba beginners) £5. Monday and Thursday, 6.45pm - Zumba

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Fitness (Everybody welcome) £6 For more details contact Kate: zumbawithkate.bristol@gmail. com; 07988787710. n Bedminster sight-loss clinic at Bedminster Library, 2-4pm every 2nd Friday of the month. Appointments can be made between 10am and 1pm.

Sight loss advice, signposting, equipment demonstrations, tech training and more. We are here for all your sight loss needs. For more information, call 01173224885. n BS3 Helping Others volunteer meet-ups at the Tobacco Factory cafe/bar, Raleigh Road. New sessions

Be prepared for the show of a lifetime Review Disney’s The Lion King at The Hippodrome, Bristol The second UK and Ireland tour of Disney’s The Lion King got off to a roaring start when the hit musical arrived at Bristol Hippodrome.

Rafiki – the loveable, eccentric mandrill, played by Thandazile Soni – blew the entire audience away as she (that’s right, Rafiki’s a woman in this stage show) opened the show with the powerful intro of Circle of Life, ‘Nants’ Ingonyama’.

It gave me goosebumps – and I’m sure I wasn’t alone!

But equally breathtaking were the costumes and the puppetry design of the animals which then paraded through the stalls before arriving on stage to welcome the new lion cub, Simba.

I sat wide-eyed as I tried to take in the mechanics of it all –

27

GOT A LISTING YOU WANT INCLUDED? Email sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk

starting September 2. Mondays, 6.30pm (except Sept 16) & Tuesdays, 10.30am. General meet-ups for all those interested in volunteering and those wishing to recruit volunteers for BS3 charities. More information, visit: www.facebook.com/ bs3helpingothers n Acting Out drama classes for everyone aged 4-11, every Monday, 4-5pm at Southville Centre. £5 per class. Contact us Jacqui, 07956 962 422 or Angela, 07823 773 179 for a free trial. actingoutdrama.com n Baby Sensory is a learning development programme for babies 0-13 months. Classes at

the Victoria Park Baptist Church Hall, Sylvia Avenue BS3 5DA on Tuesdays. For details email Sian at bristolsouth@babysensory. co.uk or visit babysensory.com/ bristol-south n Folks & Bairns parent and baby choir at the Milk Shed, Southville. Tuesday, 2.153.15pm and Wednesdat, 1-2pm.

Free taster/pay termly. Email folksandbairns@gmail.com or visit folksandbairns.com n BS3 Repair Cafe Repairs for a donation plus cream teas and homemade cakes. 1.304.30pm, last Saturday of every month at the United Reformed Church Hall, West Street,

Bedminster. Facebook: BS3 Repair Cafe n BS3 Community runs and hosts regular activities for those aged 50+ at the Southville Centre. Zumba Gold (chairbased), every fortnight on Weds 1.30-2.30 (Ruth 0117 9231039).

Yoga, 5.45-7.15pm every Mon (Caroline 07570507494).

Pilates, 6.30-7.30pm every Mon (Rose 07748735200). Learn French, 7.30-9.30pm on Tues (Audrey 07903821655). Choir, 7.30-9.30 on Tuesday evenings (Nickomo 01749850474).

the towering giraffes, the grand elephants, the leaping antelopes, the prowling cheetah. I felt overwhelmed at the prospect of having another few hours of being immersed in this spectacle, created by innovative and award winning director Julie Taymor.

I was absolutely buzzing about what was to come … apart from the stampede … I wasn’t looking forward to that bit. My tissues were ready!

As the show progressed, we were introduced to the main stars of the show – some wearing masks that manoeuvred in sync with the cast member’s head movement and others operating puppets. Mufasa’s ‘majordomo’ Zazu (Matthew Forbes), comical duo Timon (Steve Beirnaert) and Pumbaa (Carl Sanderson), and Rafiki sparked many laughs throughout the show, but it was the stampede that stirred the most emotion (I knew it!). The dramatic and incredibly well-performed score, coupled with the clever set design, made for another breathtaking experience. There

were certainly a few watery eyes in the audience.

It was true to the Disney original in every way I had hoped – from the music to the witty one-liners (“The monkey’s his uncle?” … It gets me every time!).

But it was the visual feast that really made the whole experience and had me feeling like I’d been transported to the plains of Africa.

Everything else – the acting, the

music, the choreography – was still completely faultless, I must add.

If you plan to watch The Lion King musical, which I strongly recommend by the way, be prepared for the show of a lifetime.

The award-winning musical can be enjoyed at Bristol Hippodrome until November 23. For tickets, visit: www.atgtickets.com/bristol.

Becky Day

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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28

n THOUGHT OF THE MONTH

I

with Don Cameron member of the Bristol Humanist Group

t is difficult to escape the news about Brexit nowadays and many of us wish only that a decision, any decision, could be taken so that we can get on with our lives. Our Members of Parliament have been decisive in rejecting the deal that was negotiated by Teresa May, yet they harbour wildly different views on what to put in its place.

Conservatives and Labour have vehement leavers and remainers within their ranks

Regular services n Bedminster Church of Christ 298 St John’s Lane, BS3 5AY Minister Jason Snethen 07795 560990 churchofchristbristol.org Sunday 10am Bible Hour for all ages; 11am worship; 5pm worship; Tuesday 7.30pm Bible study; Thursday 10am Coffee morning; Friday 3.45-5pm After-school; 7-9.30pm youth group. n Bedminster Quaker Meeting House Wedmore Vale BS3 5HX Clerk Chrissie Williams 0117 923 0020 bristolquakers.org.uk Sunday Worship 10.45am; 2nd & 4th Sunday Children’s meeting; 2nd Sunday Shared lunch.

n St Aldhelm’s Church Chessel Street, Bedminster BS3 3TT hello@staldhelms.org Minister Rev Nick Hay 07534 249338 staldhelms.org Sunday 10am Morning service, informal with mix of traditional and contemporary songs. Creche, Sunday school, refreshments; House groups meet on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, 7.30pm. n St Paul’s Church 2 Southville Road, Southville BS3 1DG stpsouthville@gmail.com Rev Nick Hay 07534 249338 saintpaulschurch.co.uk

and this spreads further to the voters who normally support them. Only the Lib-Dems and Brexit Party seem to have clear positions. But the nation has to make that decision somehow, and the losers will have to accept it.

This is the great difference between politics and religion. In politics we need a single decision which everyone is stuck with, but in religion everyone is free to take his or her own view.

As Humanists we do not

believe in the supernatural claims of any religion, but we believe firmly in the right of everyone to choose their own beliefs provided these do no harm to others. The lessons of history, and even some current affairs, have shown us that what we need is tolerance.

Bristol Humanists meet on the first Monday of the month at the Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol BS2 8PE.

Sunday 10.30am Worship is a mix of contemporary and traditional with groups for children and young people.

Also: 1st Sunday 9am Traditional Communion Service; 2nd Sunday 7.30pm Praise and Prayer.

0117 977 2484 victoriapark.org.uk Sunday 10.30am Interactive service with all ages together (Communion every 3rd Sunday).

Friday 10.30am Coffee morning and food bank for those in food poverty.

See website for all other groups and hall hire bookings.

n St Francis Church 279 North Street, Ashton Gate BS3 1JP staldhelmsandstfrancis.org.uk Priest-in-charge Rev Andrew Doarks 0117 963 9121 Sunday 10am Communion or Morning Worship; 1st Saturday 10am Open church; Thursday 10am Eucharist. n Victoria Park Baptist Church Sylvia Avenue BS3 5DA

n Salvation Army Dean Lane BS3 1BS Corps officer Ben Ellis 0117 966 4952 salvationarmy.org.uk/bristolbedminster Sunday 10.30am Morning Worship; 11.30am Kids Alive!; 5pm Evening Worship.

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n PLANNING APPLICATIONS Bedminster ward: Awaiting decision n 5 Lindrea Street, BS3 3AL Proposed two storey side extension and alteration to existing rear extension.

Bedminster ward: Decision n 65 Luckwell Road, BS3 3ES Proposed removal of existing extension and erection of single storey rear extension.

Granted subj to condition(s) n Wickes Building Supplies Ltd, Winterstoke Road, BS3 2LQ Proposed 2 no. banner frames, for seasonal promotions. Granted subj to condition(s) n 88 - 94 West Street, Bedminster, BS3 3LL Change of use from shop to gymnasium, with ancillary physiotherapy treatment facility and ancillary juice bar for hot and cold drink and merchandise sales, including alterations to West Street

07517 476 998

facade, and installation of external air conditioning condenser. Granted subj to condition(s) Southville ward: Awaiting decision n Flat 1 to 2, 76-77 Coronation Road, BS3 1AT Fell Bay tree and Pittosporum due to excessive shading and encroachment to neighbouring gardens. n 53 Langton Park, BS3 1EQ Fell Cypress tree to ground level. n Land at rear of 17 East Street Demolish existing shed and erect a new 3 bed house with bike and bin stores.

Southville ward: Decision n 180 Coronation Road, BS3 1RF Fell dead Eucalyptus tree - 5 day notice. Granted n 207 Coronation Road, BS3 1RQ Proposed Vehicle Crossover (dropping of kerbs) to allow parking on existing

front driveway. Granted subject to condition(s) n 16 Southville Place, BS3 1AW Demolition of existing rear wall and replace with rolling garage shutter door to create off street parking space.

Granted subject to condition(s) n11 Upton Road, BS3 1LW Single storey infill extension and associated works. Granted subject to condition(s) n22A Islington Road, BS3 1QB Demolition of existing buildings and construction of a single dwelling. Granted subject to condition(s) n 64 Bedminster Parade, BS3 4HL Internal reconfiguration and rear extension of the existing two bed maisonette flat above shop unit and erection of a single storey studio space above store room at the rear boundary.

Creation of terrace at second floor level and remodeling of the shopfront facing Bedminster Parade. Granted subject to condition(s) n 30 Lydstep Terrace, BS3

1DR Demolition of a single storey lean-to single skin outhouse and the proposed erection of a 2 storey rear extension. Granted subject to condition(s) n Riverside Garden Centre, BS3 1RX Widening of existing access to car park and associated works. Granted subject to condition(s) n Former Pring and St Hill Ltd, Malago Road, BS3 4JH Redevelopment of the site to provide 74 No. student cluster units and 40 No. affordable housing units, flexible ground floor community/commercial use. Landscaping , access and public realm works and associated works to the Malago Road.Refused n KS Bodyworks, Park Road, Southville, BS3 1QA Demolition of existing garage and erection of five selfcontained flats. Refused • The status of these applications may have changed since we went to press. Check for updates at planningonline.bristol.gov.uk

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n YOUR MP

KARIN SMYTH

Health risks

B

efore I became a politician, I worked in NHS management. As MP for Bristol South I’m acutely aware of the health inequality that exists here and the great need for first-rate healthcare close to home for my constituents. For these, and many other reasons, health is one of the main areas I focus on as your MP. You may have seen that I have been raising objections to the recent recommissioning of adult community health services in Bristol South and the surrounding area by Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (BNSSG CCG).

I spoke to local and national NHS leaders and government ministers to outline my concerns – that unidentified bidders competing for a £1bn 10-year contract behind closed doors was not in the best interests of

local people. Despite my protestations, the recommissioning took place.

Last month (Sept), the local CCG revealed that from April 2020 a new provider – Sirona – would be taking over the delivery of adult community health services from the existing provider and failed bidder, Bristol Community Health – which has given notice on its other contracts and now faces an uncertain future.

We still do not know which services were included in the winning bid and, perhaps more importantly, which were not. As such, we have no idea how this will affect or, as should be the case, improve the current situation. It’s an uncertain time for staff and patients alike.

Adult community health services include community nurses, respiratory, cardiac and diabetes care – as well as some of the services offered at South Bristol Community Hospital (SBCH). It’s a vital part of the journey from acute care to social care and/or recovery.

Delivering quality community health services relies on a huge amount of local knowledge and relationships built up over years between staff and patients.

Changing provider is a high-risk strategy by the CCG. We’re already seeing issues locally with the changeover in recent weeks of access to mental health service delivery - from Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership to the Essex-based Vita Health.

In this case, the option to self-refer online has been disabled during the handover. Sirona has a huge amount of work to do over the next six months before they’re in a position to be able to deliver services including staffing, IT, engaging with patients and partnering with charities.

The CCG – which has recognised the greater health needs in Bristol South - says it wants to see consistent, joined-up healthcare delivered closer to home. I look forward to learning more about how services across Bristol South – including at SBCH - will improve as a result of this very costly and bureaucratic re-commissioning process. And I will continue to work with all concerned to make sure that happens.

Twitter: @karinsmyth Facebook: KarinSmythMP Website: www.karinsmyth.com

Share your news and views with us ... email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk or call 07912484405

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INVITATION

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