South Bristol Voice Bedminster September 2019

southbristolvoice

September 2019

September 2019 No. 47

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Smiles all round!

Students at Ashton Park celebrating their GCSE results

Hundreds of students from across south Bristol will be embarking on the next exciting chapter of their lives after achieving excellent A-level and GCSE results last month.

Many schools and sixth forms from across the area were celebrating their best results yet, with many individual success stories and triumphs to share.

Headteachers spoke proudly of their students’ outstanding achievements and progress, and teachers were thanked for their hard work and dedication.

Read more, pages 18-29

Outcry as harbour plans threaten local business Read more, pages 4-5

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INSIDE

Changes to bus service drive residents to despair Page 3 Bedminster Green: Decisions could be made ‘within months’ Page 7 Much-needed youth club to launch in BS3 this autumn Page 13

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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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Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising is September 11.

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September 2019

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

on Facebook facebook.com/southbristolvoice on Twitter @sbristolvoice and on Instagram @southbristolvoice

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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September 2019

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Changes to 24 bus drive residents to despair “Leave our bus service alone.”

This was the resounding message from Ashton Vale residents who spoke to the South Bristol Voice at an information event about changes to the number 24 bus.

There has since been another meeting, organised by the Ashton Vale Together (AVT) group, which saw managing director of First, James Freeman, attend to address residents’ concerns.

As from September 15, the single decker bus will be replaced with a double decker and the route – which runs between Ashton Vale and Southmead Hospital – will no longer serve Ashton Drive due to issues fitting under the low railway bridge.

Towards Ashton Vale, the service will continue along Winterstoke Road towards Ashton Gate stadium, and then along the A370 and South Liberty Lane before terminating at Langley Crescent.

The route was previously designed to serve Silbury Road, but due to major street works planned, this is no longer feasible.

The journey towards Southmead will operate via Feeder Road, Ashton Road and Brunel Way before joining back onto Winterstoke Road, where the route will resume as normal.

Capacity issues is First Bus’s reason behind making the bus a double decker, with the service becoming “so full” at points in the journey that people cannot use it.

There will be one less service an hour during the day, Monday to Saturday, with the buses set to operate every 15 minutes instead of 12. There will be no changes to the bus’s frequency at other times of operation.

David Ball, of Trevanna Road, uses the bus regularly to get into town and to attend hospital appointments. He worries that traffic along the new route will cause the buses to run late.

He said: “We’ve got a perfectly good bus service – why change it? The traffic can be terrible out by Ashton Way, I worry that it will throw the timetable completely out the window.”

Pauline Grey, of Silbury Road, says that she also has concerns for disabled and elderly residents who live in Ashton Drive who will have to walk further for a bus.

Marilyn Woodland, a

The new route which is due to come into effect from September 15. However, it will now terminate and begin at Langley Crescent and will no longer serve Ashton Drive and Silbury Road

The revised route will no longer include Silbury Road and Ashton Drive Trevanna Road resident and member of the Ashton Vale Together community group, says that she worries about how a double decker will be able to navigate the narrow roads when Bristol City play at home.

She said: “It’s bad enough as it is with a single decker. I bet no one from First has sat on a double decker and drove through these streets on a match day.

“I can see some sense in the changes but First is just not considering us in Ashton Vale.”

In a post shared on Facebook

by Bedminster councillor Mark Bradshaw following the AVT meeting on August 20, Cllr Bradshaw said: “We are grateful to James Freeman for attending the AVT meeting to explain changes to the 24 bus.

“We have spoken to James about the issues being raised locally and the impact of no bus service along Ashton Drive. It seems a shuttle service may be an option and this was mentioned at the meeting.

“It will be important that First monitors the impact of the changes and are able to report back on what they can do to address community concerns. As councillors, we are committed to helping our constituents in make these concerns known to First and the council.”

Rob Pymm, commercial director for First West of England said: “The 24 has now reached the point where increasing customer numbers dictate that we switch over to double deckers.

The problem, of course, is that at the very western end of the route there is a very low railway arch connecting Ashton Vale with the

rest of the city.

“While primarily designed to allow for double deckers to operate the route, when the route becomes operational, it will provide a number of new opportunities for customers travelling to Ashton Gate Stadium, UWE Bower Ashton Campus, Ashton Court and

businesses along South Liberty Lane.

“Clearly these changes present a problem for people in Ashton Vale. We have held a number of community engagement events and are responding to the concerns raised by residents.

We have already reconsidered plans to introduce a loop around Silbury Road following feedback from local residents and we are now urgently working on a solution to improve access for people wanting to make local journeys.

“We have committed to keep in touch with local residents on the plans and hope to find a solution soon.”

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

September 2019

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n NEWS

Garden business ‘could be sunk by Basin plans’

A popular local garden centre has spoken out about the “disastrous” and “tragic” consequences that the redesign of the Cumberland Basin’s road network could have on the business.

The council unveiled its plans in August to develop a “simpler and less intrusive” road network, which would make way for thousands of new homes, retail and leisure spaces to be built as part of the Western Harbour scheme.

Three different options for road designs have been shared with the public for feedback – two of which (Eastern and Hybrid approaches) will see a new bridge built across the carpark of the Riverside Garden Centre in Clift House Road, linking Greville Smyth park to the Pump House.

Steve Shaw, a director at Riverside – which has been serving the local community

for over 30 years and had 50 employees on its books last year – says that the garden centre received no contact from the council about the proposals before they were shared.

Mr Shaw said: “I’m sad to say when the designs seeped out on Friday, it was the first thing we had heard about it – there was no pre-warning or contact, whatsoever. It was disappointing to say the least.

“The lines cross our site sufficiently enough to compromise our business. It will pretty much take out our car park, which would make it impossible for our business to trade. Fundamentally, no car park, no business.

“It has created a lot of uncertainty and we have had to reassure our customers that it is just conceptual at the moment.

“It’s anything but positive for us – it’s disastrous. It would be

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utterly tragic if the legacy of our garden centre could not continue for the next generation. We will be making our views heard loud and clear.”

In a council document showing the three designs, one of the weaknesses of the Eastern and Hybrid designs is that there is the ‘potential for negative impact on the Merchants Road Bridge (which would be replaced) and on the setting of C Bond warehouse’, where the garden centre’s car park is located.

Original designs shared in 2018 did not include the land south of the floating harbour, but now encroaches on Greville Smyth Park, Coronation Road and the western bank of the river Avon.

Stephen Wickham, of

Coronation Road, who is part of the Friends of Greville Smyth Park (FROGS) group, has criticised the expansion of the Western Harbour, saying it is “creeping like a fungus into Southville”.

He said: “The problem is, is that we stand to lose our waterside parks and something awful will be done to the mouth of the gorge.

“I’m not against the idea of change, I’m just very worried that we’ll lose something many of us take for granted.”

Stephen, a civil engineer, says the he is particularly concerned about the potential loss of the precious landscapes designed by architect Dame Sylvia Crowe in the 60s, such as Ashton Meadows.

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5 L-R: Eastern, Hybrid and Western approaches. Images, Bristol City Council

Riverside Garden Centre

He added: “I’m very passionate about Crowe’s work and it would be a real shame for us to lose that."

Members of the running community have also been critical of the Western approach design as it could impact on the towpath - a track running parallel to the western bank of the river Avon, regularly used by runners, walkers and cyclists.

Southville councillor Charlie Bolton said: “I’d advise everyone in Southville and especially the Ashton end to be on 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, the towpath might be affected and the existing bridge replaced with one or two others.

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could be built on our side of the river.”

Marvin Rees, mayor of Bristol, said: “We have a real opportunity to rethink the ageing infrastructure in the Western Harbour area. At the very heart of our One City vision is building sustainable, vibrant and inclusive neighbourhoods. To achieve this we must ensure everyone is well connected.

“For that reason we are constantly looking at opportunities to fulfil this vision and these early Western Harbour concepts are an exciting step forward. We have a lot more work to do before detailed options are designed, but this very early stage is the right moment to share where we have got to with the community and start a conversation about this opportunity with everyone in Bristol.”

Drop-in sessions are being held for residents to discuss ideas and ask questions: The Snug in The Tobacco Factory • Weds 4 Sept, 10.30am-3.30pm • Thurs 5 Sept, 3pm-8pm Broadmead Baptist Church

• Tues 10 Sept, 10.30am-3.30pm • Weds 11 Sept, 3pm-8pm Feedback about the proposals can be shared online at bristol. citizenspace.com/growthregeneration/western-harbour

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September 2019

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Decisions on the horizon for Bedminster Green developments Decisions could be reached in the coming weeks and months over a series of controversial high-rise developments planned around Bedminster Green.

A2Dominion’s application to develop the former Pring and St Hill factory site in Malago Road, is due to be considered by the council’s planning committee on September 4.

The proposal by A2Dominion is for the development of seven, 8-12 storey tower blocks, offering a mix of student accommodation and affordable housing.

It is understood that Firmstone Consortia One’s (FS1) application for a 22-storey tower block at St Catherine’s Place will be the next to go to planning committee, followed by Dandara’s application to develop 329 homes in Little Paradise.

Applications for the two other sites – the land adjacent to Dalby Avenue and Dalby Avenue car park – are still due to be submitted by Dandara and

Deeley Freed, respectively.

A spokesperson for Dandara said that the developer is currently focussed on Little Paradise and could not confirm when an application is due to be submitted for the site opposite Dalby Avenue.

South Bristol Voice is still awaiting a response from Deeley Freed.

The proposed developments have faced fierce opposition from local residents and campaigners, with hundreds of objections filed against the proposals online.

The Windmill Hill and Malago planning group (WHaM) has been critical of the plans and says that if the developments go ahead, they will have a “devastating impact” on people’s lives.

Nick Townsend, the chair of WHaM, says people living in tower blocks are at risk of isolation and worries of the negative impact this will have on occupants’ mental health,

particularly students’ wellbeing.

Dianne James, secretary of WHaM, says that it is important that residents know that these applications are still live and that decisions are likely to be made on these plans over the coming months.

She said: “People have left comments in response to the plans and think because nothing is happening, it’s all been put on the back burner, but it hasn’t.”

A spokesperson for FS1 and Dandara says that since the Bedminster Green framework – a set of guidelines for the developments – was put in place in March, the developers have been working “diligently” with the council to finalise their applications.

The spokesperson said: “Given the under supply of highquality homes for rent across Bristol, Dandara’s proposal for Little Paradise would bring

much-needed secure, long-term tenancies, in professionallymanaged accommodation. The proposals will create a safe and attractive new pedestrian link from Malago Road to East Street, part of the wider, longoverdue improvements which will help revitalise this part of Bedminster.”

Simon Potts, director of strategic land planning projects for A2Dominion, said: “Our proposals for Malago Road are to create high quality student accommodation and affordable homes that will be built and managed by A2Dominion.

“A2Dominion already owns and manages over 500 student bed spaces for the University of Bristol. We have worked with the university over the last 16 years and we will be looking to continue this long-standing relationship once our Malago Road development is completed.”

An artist’s impression of A2Dominion’s Malago Road development

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September 2019

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If you go down to the fire station today!

Knitted teddies being used to comfort children The team at Bedminster Fire Station has recruited some specialist helpers to join its ranks – a crew of cuddly teddy bears lovingly knitted by a group of local women.

Around 80 trauma teddies were gifted to the station in Hartcliffe Road by the Knowle Townswomen’s Guild on July 25.

There will be at least two teddies on board each fire engine and they will be handed out by firefighters to comfort children who have been involved in distressing incidents.

Knowle Townswomen’s Guild came up with idea to knit the trauma teddies after a member of its Knit and Natter group read an article about how the bears were benefitting other communities.

The group contacted Avon Fire and Rescue, and the service was delighted to receive the bears.

With the support of other local Townswomen’s Guilds, more than 200 trauma teddies have been knitted for the service and will be accompanying firefighters on trucks across the district.

Some of the bears will also sit with the Children and Young Person department and will be handed out at schools.

Ten women make up the Knowle Townswomen’s Guild’s Knit and Knatter group and they have been busy knitting the bears since March. Each teddy is individual and ‘made with love’, the group says.

Stella Tratt, of the Knowle

Darren Clasper, front left, and Andy Goode, front right, with women from the Knowle Townswomen’s Guild’s Knit and Knatter group and the trauma teddies Townswomen’s Guild, said: “I have distributed the knitting pattern to all the Townswomen’s Guilds in the Avon area and, while there is still a need, we will carry on knitting.”

This year, the group is celebrating the Townswomen’s Guild 90th birthday. The Knowle guild has been operating since 1935 – six years after the women’s organisation was formed – and it has played a key role in supporting women and the community throughout the decades.

Bedminster Fire Station manager, Andy Goode, said that the service was ‘extremely grateful’ to receive the bears.

He said: “We go to a number of incidents where children are

involved and inevitably, they get distressed.

“These trauma teddies are a little tool in our toolbox to offer children, which will hopefully reduce their stress levels and allow us to deal with the incident more effectively.”

Darren Clasper, risk reduction watch manager at the service, said: “We are absolutely delighted that this group of extraordinary women have come together to provide these trauma teddies.

“We often attend upsetting emergency incidents and we see children in distress who don’t

understand what is happening and why they are there. As a service, we understand how scary these experiences can be so any small act of comfort, such as a teddy, will go a long way.”

The Knowle Townswomen’s Guild meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 2pm at Redcatch Community Centre (excluding August and December).

For more information about the group’s September meeting, see our What’s On page, p42-43.

For more on the guild, visit facebook.com/ knowletownswomensguild

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September 2019

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by Adam Postans BBC LDRS reporter for South Bristol Voice A post office in the second highest “alcohol-fuelled” crime hotspot across Avon and Somerset has been granted permission to double up as an off-licence despite police objections.

Bristol city councillors approved a premises licence for Bedminster Parade Post Office in Imperial Arcade, East Street, after hearing the business faced closure if it did not offer customers more products.

Both police and the local authority’s licensing team asked for the panel to reject the application to sell alcohol from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and until 6pm on Sunday.

Avon & Somerset Police licensing officer Louise Mowbray said: “This is the second most problematic street in Avon & Somerset to do with alcoholrelated issues.

“We already have seven convenience stores, including a 24/7 Asda, and four pubs in the vicinity.

“In East Street alone there were 622 reported incidents in the last year, of which nearly a quarter were alcohol related.

“Within 300 metres of these premises there is a large residential housing unit which takes members of the public who have issues with alcohol and substance misuse. A lot of police time is dedicated to looking after these residents.”

She said 8,000 hours of officers’ time was spent dealing with alcohol issues in East Street over the last year.

Council senior licensing officer Andy Lyle said: “The

MP Karin urges Bristol South MP Karin Smyth is asking for residents’ views on policing.

Over the last 18 months, Ms Smyth has been taking part in the Parliamentary Police

Councillors reject police fears and grant drinks licence for Post Office

area already suffers from street drinkers with offences such as alcohol-related assaults.

“The already stretched police service find it a most challenging area.

“The arcade is regularly frequented by the homeless.

“I am concerned that another retail outlet for alcohol in an area already more than adequately served by such premises will only add to its alcohol-fuelled problems.”

Stewart Gibson, representing sub-postmaster Lakhvir Singh Samra, said the off-licence application for “relatively modest hours” was necessary to keep the shop afloat.

He said: “The post office is in decline, as many are.

“In its current state, the business will not survive.

“This is part of an extensive investment into the post office premises.”

He said it would include a new floor, frontage and fridges.

“Mr Samra has been running that business for the last 10 years and is an upstanding member of the community,” Mr Gibson said.

“He knows who the ‘street drinkers’ are and has banned them from the post office.

“He is an experienced licensee who ran Good News Wine & Food in Cleeve in North Somerset with no trouble for three years.

“It is anticipated that alcohol will be no more than 10 per cent of the total turnover.”

Mr Gibson added that no objections had been received from residents.

Licensing sub-committee chairman Cllr Peter Abraham told the hearing on Thursday, July 25: “We recognise the police and licensing authority’s concerns on crime and disorder.

“However, we do consider this application would be unlikely to add to the problems.”

The panel granted the application with conditions, including the installation of CCTV and the continuation of a post office at the premises.

At present, the post office shuts at 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 4pm on Saturday and does not open on Sunday.

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UoB campus consultation Reducing waste, one children’s party at a time Residents are being invited to share their views about plans for the University of Bristol’s academic buildings as part of its new campus development to the east of Temple Meads.

A public consultation will be running from September 9 to 25 and there will be a number of events taking place locally to showcase the plans as part of the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus development.

It follows the university’s first part of the consultation, which saw proposals for 953-bed student accommodation across three, 21-storey high building blocks.

The second phase of the consultation will reveal detailed designs of the academic buildings and public spaces of the campus.

The university says that the campus “will be open to everyone and will provide inspiring spaces to meet, learn and make new connections”. They say that it will

also “help create a new inclusive city district in Temple Quarter, contribute to economic growth, revitalisation and job creation”.

Work is anticipated to start on the site next year with the campus set to open in 2022.

Public meeting: • Weds 18 Sept, 5-7pm at Hillcrest Primary School, Totterdown Drop-in sessions: • Weds 11 Sept, 6-7.30pm at Engine Shed, Station Approach • Thurs 12 Sept, 5-7pm at Barton Hill Settlement • Sat 21 Sept, 12-2pm at Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street Plans will also be on display at: • Engine Shed, Station Approach • University of Bristol, Beacon House, Queen’s Ave, BS8 1QU Feedback can also be given online from September 9 at: bristol.ac.uk/templequarter

Children’s parties can produce a lot of unnecessary waste. But one local resident is helping to tackle this by loaning out tableware and cutlery to families.

Pass the Party BS3 was set up in July by local resident Anna ThakeAdams, with the aim of helping people in area to reduce waste at their children’s parties.

Anna said: “Reducing the use of single use items, particularly plastic, has been on people’s minds in the last year or so, and the more I learned about the impact of our throwaway society on our environment, the less I could enjoy parties and events that would send huge bin bags to landfill.”

A number of Pass the Party services have been set up across the country, but Anna believes this is the first one to be established in Bristol.

Families can loan plates, cups, bowls and cutlery for up to 30 children for free from the ‘Pass the Party – BS3’ Facebook page.

A small charity donation is always welcome.

MAKE LIFE EWARDING R Support workers Bristol, Keynsham and Portishead Full-time & part-time roles: £16,402 - £17,774 pa pro rata + benefits + full training Casual roles: £8.21 - £8.60 p/h Develop a rewarding career with learning disability charity Brandon Trust. Use your ability to bring out the best in people, your creativity and resilience to support individuals with learning disabilities and autism to live the lives they wish. You’ll support individuals in all aspects of daily living.

If you’re compassionate, respectful and have a ‘can-do’ approach, you could make a great support worker here.

If you’re new to social care we provide full training and if you’re experienced you’ll find plenty of development opportunities.

Find out more and apply online or meet us at one of our regular recruitment events. www.brandontrust.org/jobs Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS check.

We are an Equal Opportunities employer and welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

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

September 2019

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ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST Tips to reduce stress and anxiety as a new school term begins

I

t is not uncommon for a child to struggle at the beginning of a new school year. New school, new classes, new teachers, forming new friendships, new routine; all are happening together.

Back-to-school time can also see mums, dads and carers getting very anxious. Fears about bullying, financial struggles and the stress of balancing all the life commitments: work, social and family. Sometimes guilt at not having enough time or resources at your disposal also plays a part. Here are some tips to help ...

Plan ahead together: Where possible start getting things for the new school year well ahead of time. – This will also save money while also helping them develop a sense of expectation for new fun experiences. Plan the new family routines ahead. By easing everyone into things, it creates less shock. Schedule time to keep track of what’s going

on with each other, especially the children as the year progresses.

Talk: It is so important to talk to your child, using age-appropriate words so they can express their own anxiety or worries. If a major change e.g. a move to a big school is causing stress, talk to them and help them know you understand how they feel. Offer loving reassurance that everything will settle down in a short while.

Be supportive, saying openly that you care about their experiences and want to hear about the bad as well as the good. Most especially let them know you are always available for them.

Look after yourself: Children will pick up stress and anxiety from

n NEWS

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 their parents and loved ones.

Your anxiety may actually be contributing to their unease.

If possible, take some time off work ahead of and including the school start dates. Consider your own physical and mental, health and wellbeing.

Relax: Go for walks. Give time and attention to people and things you love and care about. Encourage your child to feel involved in your life and work activities, too.

Share about your day, success and setbacks. Ask their opinions and suggestions. Communicating openly about ups and downs is very healthy. Doing these models transparency and builds closeness.

Seek professional help for any money worries.

Stay Healthy: Ill-health and sick days can cause a lot of stress. A healthy diet helps growth and development, reduces sick days off school and also improves academic results. Avoid tooth decay and tooth extraction by reducing sugary drinks and snacks including fruit juices and smoothies. Less sugar consumption will help control weight gain.

Don’t forget your vaccinations: Flu, Chickenpox, Meningitis B. Some are available free on the NHS, our pharmacy team can offer help with details. Planning a school trip abroad? Speak with us now to save a lot of money and stress.

Bedminster Pharmacy, as a part of the NHS, is your local resource providing advice on minor ailments, all health conditions, medicines and NHS services. We can also signpost to other local organisations and resources in the community and online. Don’t hesitate to speak with us about your needs. We are always here for you.

A-mazing! Lottery funds will lead to new map

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The Berry Maze is a community project that got residents and businesses together to create an unique maze made out of more than 250 berry plants.

Now, almost two years later, a new exciting development is on the way.

The Malago Greenway Project, the organisation behing the maze, has just been awarded a £2,300 grant by the National Lottery Awards for All, which will enable the organisers to create another unique feature for this unique project - a 3D version of the original map of the maze, as drawn by the then 9 year old Harry Ward.

The map featured on the central slab from the beginning of the project in the shape of a huge painting, but the weather and the poor condition of the cement made it crumble and almost completely dissapear.

After many attempts to find a solution for repairing it, an out of the box idea took shape - to

recreate the paths in the drawing with rubber play tiles and to create the flowers, plants and insects out of objects that have been flytipped in the park.

Another exciting development is that, recognising the maze’s health related potential, two of the local surgeries have agreed to suggest to the older or isolated patients to join the volunteers, in a bid to make friends and exercise with a purpose.

The only drawback seems to be the ongoing vandalism. After repeated attempts at destroying the maze, which saw tens of wooden posts being broken, the organisers had to appeal at the goodwill of people and raise some more money for the repairs.

Luckily people rallied again around the maze, helping raise over £300 in just a few days.

To get involved, write to the organisers on our.berry.maze@ gmail.com.

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

September 2019

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13

n NEWS

Delight for 8-16 year olds as funding secured to launch a youth club in BS3 Bedminster is to get a new youth club with meetings due to start later this year.

The south Bristol charity BS3 Community has worked with local neighbourhood action group, Way Out West (WOW) to secure a £30,000 grant from Bristol City Council’s Youth Sector Fund to launch a muchneeded youth club for BS3.

Although the youth club is still in the process of securing a site, it is expected to start operating from November 2019.

As well as the hard-won funding from BCC, lots of local traders and businesses have come forward enthusiastically to provide equipment such as a basketball net, pool and a table tennis table.

Bedminster Youth Club will run two age specific sessions, one on Monday evenings 6-8pm

for 8-11s year olds and one on Tuesday evenings, 7-9pm for 1216 year olds. The club will be run by a steering group including young people from the area to ensure the club is co-designed and meets their needs and expectations of those using the facility.

Ruth Green, Community Development Manager for the charity is delighted at the success the partnership has had so far in getting the project off the ground and is looking forward to making the club a hub for young people in the area.

She said: “There is a huge array of activities for younger children in our area, which is great, but for the 8 years+ age group there is very little to do when they want a bit more independence and want to expand their horizons beyond

VACANCY VACANCY VACANCY We are still looking for a School Crossing Patrols. This could be the best way to get back to work by taking on a satisfying job that means you meet loads of new people and really make a difference to your local community.

We have vacancies at

Parson Street Primary, Hillcrest Primary This is a school term time only role. This is a paid position and you are paid for ten hours per week term time. The hourly rate is £9.00.

Full training and uniform will be provided.

You will need to be a good communicator with an ability and understanding of working with the general public.

If you are interested or would like more information please contact Frances Dansie on 07500120320 or by email frances.dansie@bristol.gov.uk We look forward to hearing from you.

attending activities with their parents and carers. We want to offer constructive activity within a safe environment that helps young people develop their sense of self and being a part of a community.”

A spokesperson for Way out West’s said: “In partnership with BS3 Community, we have achieved hard-won funds from Bristol City Council to launch a much-need Youth Club for BS3. £30,000 will support the first three years of this exciting project.

“We all recognise that in particular since the regeneration of Southville, activities for younger children are plenty – but for the 9 years+ age group there is very little to do. Watch this space for news – hoping to launch in November. More funds being applied for.”

Ruth Green, Community Development Manager for BS3 Community

BS3 Community is a charity that was established in 1990 to serve the community of Greater Bedminster (BS3), an innercity area of Bristol. It supports approximately 2,000 individuals each week across a variety of services, designed to improve the health and wellbeing of residents.

Talking Tables Cooking Sessions at Windmill Hill City Farm Aged 50+ and want to feel more confident about cooking nutritious and tasty food? Want to meet and eat with people in a fun and friendly environment?

Every Friday 15th Mar - 26th Apr Every Tuesday 16th Jul - 20th Aug (v), 24th Sept - 29th Oct 2019 10am - 1pm Free Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster, BS3 4EA

“I would recommend it to anybody, especially someone who might feel a bit isolated and lonely.”

Dee, Talking Tables participant

Sessions are suitable for those with access and dietary requirements.

All are welcome.

Do you have travel concerns?

Limited transport is available.

To book your place please contact Caroline McDonnell at LinkAge Network on: (v) = vegetarian only

0117 353 3042

LinkAge Network is the working name of LinkAge West of England Ltd. Charity No. 1143816 in England and Wales. Company No. 07403291.

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

September 2019

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14

n CREATIVE COLUMN with JANE VELLENDER Artist

What inspires me to paint?

I

have always painted since I was a child growing up in the Cotswolds; it was a creative household, with a sculptor and seamstress for parents.

Many of my students ask me what shall I paint? I tell them to look around, what do they enjoy, what speaks to you, as art affects the soul rather than head. What story does your painting tell, what memories or dreams does it hold for you?

I am inspired by the variety of the natural world around me and Bristol, which I love. South Bristol is so under rated, with many tales to tell. It gives me enormous pleasure to talk to my customers and hear their stories and memories that they weave into the paintings they buy from me.

I have noticed so many benefits of creating amongst my students, reducing stress and giving your brain a chance to rest from our busy lives, improving confidence and providing a sense of completion and achievement. Anyone can learn to paint or draw, no one has beaten me yet! Art can give so much enjoyment whether you collect art or paint, give it a go!

Jane Vellender artist FB JaneVellenderArtist WhenArtMetCloth.com

Make a difference to someone’s life and become a reader The Reader charity is looking for people in BS3 to train to lead new Shared Reading groups with people over 50. Full training is given.

Once trained as a Reader Leader, you will help run a

weekly or fortnightly Shared Reading group, usually sharing the role with another volunteer.

Groups run in libraries, care homes, sheltered housing and community venues.

Shared Reading makes a real

difference to hundreds of people every week. You’ll be helping people meet new people, talk about new things and discover new stories and poems. You will also get to read more, discover a new way of reading and explore

new stories and writers.

For more info, contact: michaelprior@thereader.org. uk or hear him chat to wouldbe volunteers on September 2 (6.30pm) and 3 (10.30am) at the Tobacco Factory.

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September 2019

southbristolvoice

n THE MAYOR

15

MARVIN REES Mayor of Bristol

Improving mental health for all of us

and others. But I will continue to push for improvements to accessing mental health services; promoting and creating positive, fun and challenging opportunities to help children and young people develop their confidence, creativity and resilience.

Thrive Bristol aims to improve mental health and wellbeing for all, with a focus on those with greatest need. The programme launched city-wide in 2018 and takes a One City approach to tackling shared challenges.

Targets include eradicating mental health stigma and discrimination, rolling out Mental Health Awareness training, and creating mentally healthy schools, workplaces, homes and communities.

In fostering an environment where it is safe to speak about feelings and by building our capacity for resilience, I hope our children of the future and today will find the summer to school transition an enjoyable process.

O

ur city is a great place to be over the summer with free cultural festivals and historical attractions not only bringing citizens but also visitors from across the country and beyond. In the past few months, we have seen engaging and exciting events including St Paul’s Carnival, Bristol Pride, the Harbour Festival and the International Balloon Fiesta.

But the nights are drawing in and many of us will be going back to school or work after a well-earned break. However, this transition is challenging for some. And knowing how to handle change is critical, especially for our young people.

Having worked in the NHS in mental health and wellbeing, this is and continues to be a key priority of mine. Bristol has a higher than national average rate of residents with mental ill health. This is a devastating reality and one that I am not willing to ignore. I want to ensure that we all thrive in a city that supports both our physical and mental health.

Part of achieving this is promoting mental health and wellbeing with a focus on early intervention. Crucially, our schools, colleges

and universities must play a role in enabling our young people to grow into resilient and confident adults.

Our daily lives may sometimes be stressful. Ensuring young people have skills to cope with this is key to preventing more serious issues in later life. The first steps involve helping them see how to talk openly about their feelings and care for themselves

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

September 2019

southbristolvoice

16

Please keep letters as short as possible, LETTERS and provide your postal address.

Mixed picture I saw your report last month re the extent to which BS3 could be considered ‘friendly’ or not for older people.

On the friendly side, I’d nominate the high streets offering goods, services and places to meet friends and good neighbours (but perhaps I’m lucky).

On the less friendly side, it’s rubbish and obstructions on the pavements. I’m 79 and my eye-sight isn’t very good, so I like to walk next to my husband (he’s 80), but with overhanging bushes, cars on pavements and recycling bins all over the place, that’s often not possible. Also, I understand that breathing isn’t a good idea in Bemmy.

Jo Hargreaves

Not the ticket As a resident of Ashton Vale, I am very concerned that many residents living in Ashton Vale don’t know that our two Councillors Mark Bradshaw & Celia Phipps have had talks with First Bus and are changing the

No. 24 bus route (It will take effect from September 15th) and also putting on a double decker bus instead of a single decker.

Yet again I had to read this information in The Post. They also put it on their Facebook page but unless residents are online or take The Post they won’t know anything about this issue as they weren’t involved in the talks, yet it will be these residents who will be affected the most.

The journey will take much longer and some people will not be able to use the bus stops they use now, which means they will have to walk further & also leave earlier to get to work etc.

It will affect the majority of residents in Ashton Vale. Many residents are elderly and disabled.

Some residents catch the bus to go to Sainsbury’s and back which is only 3 stops from the end of the journey and takes about 5 mins. max at present but much longer with the new route.

Carers only have a certain amount of time to leave their loved ones they care for but they will have to leave them longer.

Write to news@southbristolvoice.co.uk or to 111 Broadfield Rd, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2UX

Many people might already have hospital appointments that they booked a year ago not knowing that the bus service will change, so they will have to leave much earlier.

Yet no one has been interested in having a bus route for residents until now. It seems because we are having 133 new homes built on Ashton Rise they want a bus service. Yet they have a metro bus stop right outside the site.

No thought for existing residents to use this bus stop, as the majority of them it is too far to walk.

Another part of the route is to go past BCFC ground, as any one will know Winterstoke Road is always busy. What happens on match days and worse still on concerts when that part of the road was closed.

The bus also has to come in from the Link Road onto South Liberty Lane where there are so many vehicles parked on pavements.

It is hard enough for cars to get through let alone a double decker bus. It is very dangerous

for pedestrians as they have to walk into the road.

A single bus can’t get into Ashton Vale on match days etc. it will be even worse to try and get a double decker through.

Chris, a very concerned resident of Ashton Vale

Power of faith Firstly, well done on such an excellent publication each month, always a joy to read Secondly, thank you for the “Thought of the month’ included in each publication. It is I am sure appreciated by many of your readers.

The message shared in the August edition is very real, that sense of loss and difficulty and yet the reality of the lady’s Christian faith shone brightly. This was what brought her through and undoubtedly will be a great encouragement to others facing similar challenges.

With very kind regards, Graham P Steer BS14

We look after adults and children at Home, and at school and provide residential and nursing care..

We are NHS and Local Authority funded with our hundreds of our staff working across South Gloucestershire, parts of Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset.

We are always on the lookout for great people and this is an opportunity for you to find out what is available, clinical and nonclinical.

Flexible working patterns will always be considered (so long as our services can support your requests). Equally, we have a proactive Bank Team.

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

September 2019

Street team in BS3 I am one of about 35 people who are ‘BS3 Street Wardens’. We do three main things: 1. Talk to neighbours and friends to remind them to keep the footways clear for all pedestrians, including people pushing prams, riding in wheelchairs, having poor eye-sight or just wanting to walk side by side with a child or friend. The main obstructions are overhanging hedges, cars on pavements and recycling bins of various sizes. Often, blockages are a combination of these things.

2. Offer help, if necessary. For example, neighbours can assist older people to move their bins up and down steps or can lend each other gardening tools.

3. Report significant obstructions to BCC on www. bristol.gov.uk/report-a-streetissue or 0117 922 2100.

If you would like to help, please contact the BS3 Street Wardens on greaterbedminster@ gmail.com Jade Salter-Hewitt, BS3

southbristolvoice

17

n THE DRAGONFLY JAR

n IN BRIEF

Jeanne Fairs: Mid-life musings

n Bedminster Social Club is an informal group of older people who meet regularly to chat and drink coffee/tea in a cafe in West Street. New members are always welcome. Membership is free. For more info, contact Ben Barker on 0117 9633652 or benbarker@blueyonder.co.uk

I

t took half a lifetime, but I have now experienced the joys of flying Business Class (thank you Ethiad Airlines). I write this, not to cause jealousy, but to highlight the binary opposites of my two-leg journey from Heathrow to Nairobi. I lucked up on the first leg of the journey and was upgraded to Business Class; I worked through my imposter syndrome by exuding immense gratitude. Travelling out to catch up with a party of school students volunteering in Kenya, I felt a tad underdressed in my trip hoodie and leggings - I’m guessing that Check-In decided that my jaded demeanour was a pale comparison to my passport photo.

For the first hour of my golden business class leg, I played with the button that extended my chair into a reclining bed - distraction came in the form of a 4 course menu served with real cutlery and good wine. I was too giddy to sleep, but endeared

myself to the cabin crew by being extremely humble and grateful.

My fellow business travellers seemed immune to the delights of business travel and made it clear that they did not want to be sociable.

I felt strangely lonely in my sleep booth.

When my Willy Wonka golden ticket ran out on the Abu Dubai to Nairobi leg, I spent the next 7 hours sitting besides a delightful - and extremely large - lady from the United Emirates. There were only two of us in our row, and although she had the aisle seat, she did not intend to move for the duration of the trip. I am still troubled by the etiquette I abandoned each time I straddled her lap in order to reach the toilets. We shared no common language, and I was relieved (literally) to discover that she seemed to find the situation comical. I tried both a forward facing and a backward facing straddle, but still found myself troubled by our enforced intimacy.

We bonded through the vagaries of visa forms and I reflected that there was none of this camaraderie in Business Class; Economy has wings.www.thedragonfyjar.com

n The Patchwork Community Gardening Group will be holding its annual Apple Day on Saturday September 28, 11am-3pm at Dean Lane orchard (next to the Tap and Barrel). Bring along your apples, get involved in the pressing and try some delicious fresh juice. There will also be live music, cake and jam. www.facebook.com/ bedminsterpatchwork/ n The Fiddle Club is a small friendly class meeting on Mondays (starting September 9), 7-8pm in El Rincon, 298 North St. Open to all ages with a basic knowledge of playing the fiddle. For further info contact viviennefbaker@gmail.com

n NEWS

Let’s get more friendly

A series of projects aimed at making our community even more friendly is coming to Bedminster.

In November 2018, Bristol joined other world cities to be was declared ‘Age-Friendly’ by the World Health Organisation.

Now the challenge is to make it real in Bedminster and other neighbourhoods.

The first of the ‘Four Friendlies’ projects involves the Age-friendly Neighbourhood Project and asks how can we make our neighbourhood even more friendly for older people.

Groups like Southville Centre, Windmill Hill City Farm and the Bedminster Business Improvement District have signed up for this among many others.

Linked to this is the UNESCO idea of the Child Friendly City and Neighbourhoods. This includes teenagers. There are some good signs of this in Bedminster. We have good quality schools and welcoming parks on the positive side.

The third friendly links

community organisations in Bedminster to city-wide and national organisations such as RNIB, Guide Dogs and the Alzheimer Society. How do we ensure that neighbours with disabilities can get maximum enjoyment out of living in Bedminster?

To meet the invisible disability of weak bladders, there are plans to publish, in September, the fifth edition of the Bedminster Toilet Map with around 20 places to pee. Printing costs are being covered by Bristol Health Partners.

The fourth Friendly is led by the BS3 Wildlife Group. Their project, My Wild Bedminster, wants to encourage gardeners, park groups and others to make Bedminster more welcoming to wild plants and animals.

There will be a meeting to discuss the projects and next steps on September 26 from 2pm at the Chessel Centre.

To know more about the Four Friendlies, please get in touch via mywildbedminster@ virginmedia.com.

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

September 2019

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n EDUCATION n SCHOOL NEWS ADVERTISING FEATURE

Luckwell Primary School • Caring community • Hugely improved test results

• On-site forest school • Breakfast and after-school clubs

Book a tour September 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, all 9.30am (or call us to arrange your own visit)

Luckwell Primary School, Breach Road, Bristol BS3 3ET 0117 353 3382 www.luckwell.bristol.sch.uk

Compass Point Primary School

Nursery places available now!

The best possible start: 15 funded hours a week in our teacher-led class Call us to book a September tour Compass Point Primary School, South St, Bristol BS3 3AU www.compasspoint.bristol.sch.uk 0117 377 2340

Ashton Vale Primary School

• Exciting curriculum • Glorious grounds • Fantastic new library • Dedicated staff • Outdoor learning • Community focus Our school provides a happy, nurturing and supportive environment.

Call us to arrange a visit.

Ashton Vale Primary School, Avebury Rd, Bristol BS3 2QG 0117 903 0383 ashtonvaleprimary.weebly.com

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

September 2019 n EDUCATION

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19

n SCHOOL NEWS ADVERTISING FEATURE

Opening a world of opportunities GATEHOUSE Green Learning Trust has been formed to ensure the provision of excellent and inclusive education for children in Bristol and their families.

It comprises five schools: the secondaries Redland Green School and Ashton Park School and the primaries Luckwell, Ashton Vale and Compass Point.

Working together in a multi academy trust brings advantages for children, families, staff and the wider community. Each individual school is valued and supported in the pursuit of a common vision and aims.

Gatehouse Green Learning Trust is committed to collaborating to make sure that it is: • Driving school improvement and the best outcomes for young people both academically and in terms of personal

and emotional well-being; • Developing highly skilled, well trained and motivated staff; Providing coordinated operational and support services; • Sharing resources to ensure best value for money; • Creating high quality and coordinated enrichment opportunities across the MAT; • Growing and consolidating links with existing and new partners that improve the quality of provision and support offered to young people and the community.

The trust is led by chief executive

officer Sarah Baker, the founding headteacher of Redland Green School, which is rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

The board of trustees draws on a wealth of expertise from the world of education and from other sectors to enable it to develop its schools to serve their diverse communities. Each school has a voice in the development of the MAT. GGLT works alongside and in close collaboration with other local providers, MATs, LA, special schools, colleges and universities to share best practice and help to improve outcomes for young people in Bristol and strives to be a centre of excellence.

The trust is connected to regional and national support networks, which broadens horizons, opportunities and support.

Ashton Park School

Open Evening Thursday 19 September 6pm-8.30pm

Open Mornings

Mon 23 and Tue 24 Sep Mon 21 and Tue 22 Oct 9.15-11am Ashton Park School, Blackmoors Lane, Bower Ashton Bristol BS3 2JL

0117 377 2777

www.ashtonpark.net

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

September 2019

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n SCHOOL NEWS

Students achieve above and beyond expectations Students at Bedminster Down School, Bristol have been celebrating their GCSE results.

The number of students achieving a grade 4 (standard pass) or higher in the individual subjects of English, maths or science is again more than 60 per cent. Fifty per cent of students achieved a grade 4 or better in both English and maths.

Some individual students achieved over and above expectations. Edith Fritsch gained seven grade 9s (the highest grade), one grade 8 and an A* in her German A-level and will go on to study at a prestigious college in Berlin.

Louise Dibble achieved mainly grade 8s across her subjects and Daniel Sherwood is celebrating his impressive grades 7, 8 and 9s.

Bedminster Down School Headteacher Gary Schlick said: “Bedminster Down students have

worked hard with the changes to the exam system to achieve some outstanding individual results.

“I’m expecting to see improved progress figures this year that illustrate how our

quality teaching and pastoral support will bring out the best in our students. We’re now further boosted by being part of the Wellsway Multi-Academy Trust, who are seeing significant

Created by the egg Incubator

improvements in GCSE results, to share best practice across several local secondary schools.”

BEDMINSTER DOWN SCHOOL

Co-produced by the egg and Travelling Light Theatre

Belief Determination Success

Will your child be starting secondary school in September 2020?

Visit us and meet students and teachers on: • Wednesday 25th September 6pm - 8pm ‘Stunning’ - The Guardian

• Saturday 5th October 10am – 12pm Visit bedminsterdown.com or t: 0117 353 2800

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September 2019

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n SCHOOL NEWS

Bright futures ahead at St Brendan’s St Brendan’s Sixth Form College is celebrating another year of amazing achievements.

This year St Brendan’s A-level pass rate is 96 per cent. The Sixth Form College provides students with a huge choice of 39 different A-level courses, and this year, as always, many subjects achieved a 100 per cent pass rate, including A-level Mathematics and Further Mathematics, English Literature and all three of the A-level language subjects taught at St Brendan’s.

As well as A-levels, St Brendan’s Applied General (BTEC) results were also outstanding, and the college is celebrating a 100 per cent pass rate in all subjects, with 91 per cent of all results coming in at either a Distinction and Distinction* which is the equivalent to A and A* grades at A-level.

Delighted Principal, Michael Jaffrain, commented on the results: “We have had an excellent set of results at A-level, which was particularly impressive in view of the new tougher linear curriculum and the

personal barriers some of our students have had to overcome this academic year.

“Our Applied General results have also been outstanding and are a testimony to the range and quality of the subjects we have on offer at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College and the outstanding personal support provided by our Academic Mentors and Careers Team.”

St Brendan’s students have secured places on some of the country’s most competitive university courses. Twins Leon and Victor Altherr and Ryan Everett will all be joining Oxford this September, whist peer Ceinwen Baker is off to Cambridge. Together they will study a diverse range of subjects including law, natural sciences and psychology.

Not all students have chosen to progress onto university though; many are also taking a gap year or moving on to an exciting range of apprenticeships with employers including Burges Salmon, Lyons Davidson, Deloitte, Rolls Royce, KPMG and Babcock.

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September 2019

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22

n SCHOOL NEWS ADVERTISING FEATURE

How we are helping pupils achieve their full potential Message from Justin Humphreys, Head of St Katherine’s School St Katherine’s is a thriving, diverse school community that has educated pupils from all over Bristol for many years.

Indeed, Year 7 pupils from over 50 primary schools are joining us this September. So why do so many parents and carers choose St Katherine’s for their child’s secondary education?

I believe it’s because our approach is based on the belief that, as individuals, we all perform at our best when we feel confident, secure and valued.

Along with my committed team I am passionate about giving every pupil an environment where they feel safe and happy so they can achieve their full potential. We do this through our exceptional pastoral care and absolute commitment to wellbeing which makes St Katherine’s such a happy, thriving school.

We take full advantage of St Katherine’s size to create a friendly atmosphere where every child is well known and cared for as an

individual.

Like our pupils, our staff are energetic, passionate and committed professionals, who stretch and challenge our young people both inside and outside of the classroom - we all learn something new everyday and it enriches and improves us all.

Besides our track record of academic success - our GCSE, A level and vocational subject results have improved every year for the last six years - we offer a broad curriculum alongside extracurricular activities designed to develop our pupils in to young adults equipped socially and academically to take on the opportunities and challenges of life.

Above all, a St Katherine’s education is busy, inspiring, ambitious and great fun!

Come along to our September open evening (Thursday, September 19, 6-9pm) or one of our autumn open mornings (details below) to experience it for yourself.

Headteacher at St Katherine’s School, Justin Humphreys

St Katherine’s School OPEN MORNINGS | 24 SEPTEMBER, 1 OCTOBER AND 8 OCTOBER, 9.00-11.00am St Katherine’s is a thriving, diverse school community where pupils enjoy an education that is busy, purposeful and ambitious but also great fun.

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September 2019

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23

n SCHOOL NEWS

A strong set of A-level results for Merchants’ Academy Students at Merchants’ Academy in South Bristol celebrated improved A-levels last month, with results up 8 per cent on last year - 83 per cent of students achieved A-E grades, 24 per cent of which are A-C. Subjects that scored particularly well this year include Business Studies and Media Studies A-level, as well as ICT and Sport BTEC, with high valueadded scores and 100 per cent of students receiving A-E grades.

A number of students made outstanding progress from their GCSE starting points.

For example, Ben Hammond achieved a Double Distinction in ICT and Elexcie Vowles achieved the equivalent of three A-levels, including a Double Merit in Health and Social Care. Ben will now read Computer Science at the University of Bournemouth and Elexcie will read Health and Social Care at the University of Plymouth.

Overall, 80 per cent of all Year 13 students have succeeded in gaining their first choice in university places.

Ben Hammond, who collected his results with his mum Tina Hammond and who will be the first member of his family to go to university, said: “I’m so excited to be starting my degree.

My form tutor, Mr Bryan, has been an amazing inspiration to me. He helped me to stay

focussed and motivated and now, not only do I want to pursue a career in Cyber Security, I’m already thinking about a PhD. “If I was asked to give advice to other students who might be finding it hard to focus on their studies, I’d say ‘don’t get distracted, always try your best and don’t give up too easily’.”

Andy Marshall-Aherne, Assistant Vice Principal and Head of MA.16. Sixth Form, said:

“Many of our students have never travelled far outside Bristol, but today they are accepting university places across the country where they will continue to carve out a successful future for themselves.”

Principal, Samantha Williamson, said: “Our students have worked extremely hard to achieve significant progress and they should feel very proud of their results. Some students have done so well they have upgraded to better universities.”

Since September, the academy has been offering a broader Post-16 curriculum with increased vocational qualifications alongside existing academic subjects.

The football academy, established as part of the Bristol City Community Trust, and the hair and beauty training centre and salon, have both been popular and will see the first students graduate in July 2020.

merchantsacademy.org @MA16_SixthForm 0117 301 5000

‘The Post-16 Destination of Choice’ A modern, dynamic, student centred Sixth Form, allowing students the freedom and independence to follow a personalised academic pathway towards their goals and aspirations. #AimHigh

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September 2019

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24

n SCHOOL NEWS

Dedication and hard work pays off for Merchants’ Year 11s The hard work of staff and students at Merchants’ Academy in South Bristol was rewarded with strong GCSE results.

Overall, a total of thirteen subjects saw an improvement in Progress scores.

In particular, business studies students are celebrating excellent grades, with over 80 per cent achieving a grade 6 (equivalent to B+) or higher, including two Distinctions (equivalent to grade A) and one Distinction Star (A* equivalent).

Physics students also have cause to celebrate, with 97 per cent achieving a grade 4 (C equivalent) and above, compared with 46 per cent last year.

Music students achieved fantastic grades, with 92 per cent awarded a grade 4 to 9 (equivalent to grade C to A**), including three Distinction* and two Distinctions.

Health and social care has maintained a strong performance with 86 per cent of students achieving a grade 4 and above,

against 77 per cent last year, including 13 Distinctions.

Construction maintained strong outcomes with 79 per cent of students achieving a grade 4 and above.

Students are now planning their next steps, with many going on to study A-levels, including at Merchants’ Academy sixth form centre MA.16, as well as three students who will join Colston’s Sixth Form as part of the

MERCHANTS’ ACADEMY

Society of Merchant Venturers scholarship programme.

There were a number of outstanding individual performances, including Gavin Gan, who achieved one A*, two Distinction*, four grade 9s, one grade 8, one grade 7, one grade 6 and one grade 5.

He said: “I’m extremely happy with my results and can’t wait to study maths, further maths, chemistry and physics A-level.”

Filipe Goncalo Costa Rodrigues, pictured with headteacher Samantha Williamson, who achieved one A*, one Distinction*, one grade A, two grade 9s, four grade 8s, one grade 7 and one grade 6, said: “I was so nervous about collecting my results and what they mean for my future, but now I just feel delighted!”

Amy Knapp, who achieved two grade 8s, three grade 7s, two grade 6s and two grade 5s, said: “I barely slept last night, but I am so happy with my results and

can now train to be a veterinary nurse.”

George Cole, who achieved a Distinction*, three grade 8s, one grade 7, three grade 6s and one grade 5, said: “My results are even better than I had expected and that’s thanks to my great teachers! I can’t wait to start my scholarship at Colston’s where I will study economics, geography and politics.”

Rhiannon Johnson, who will also begin a scholarship at Colston’s, said: “After a nervous start to the day, I now can’t wait to study maths, physics, Spanish and psychology at Colston’s in September.”

Ms Williamson said: “It has been a delight to see students celebrating fantastic results with their family members today. Their hard work and determination has paid off and our students will now take the first steps to building their future careers as they move into further education. Well done to each and every one of them!”.

merchantsacademy.org @MerchantsAc 0117 301 5000

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September 2019

southbristolvoice

n SCHOOL NEWS Lots to cheer

The young people of Oasis Academy John Williams in Hengrove had much to celebrate as the school maintained its impressive outcomes.

Around 60 per cent of students achieved a level 4 or above in English and maths this year.

Attainment at grade 4 or above was greater than 70 per cent in eight different subject areas, with 86 per cent of young people achieving grade 4 or above in GCSE PE. There too were impressive results in History, Science and Maths, all of which recorded improvements on last year. A number of students have achieved superb individual results.

Once again, there were many remarkable stories of individual success, both in terms of progress made and grades achieved.The highest attaining male students was Henry Whitwell, who achieved 4 grade 9s, 3 grade 8s and a grade 7, whilst Katie Starling, the highest attaining female, achieved 1 grade 9 and 7 grade 8s.

Speaking about her achievement, Katie Starling said: “I’m over the moon! I was completely shocked by my maths result but pleased I did so well. I’m looking forward to going to St Brendan’s to study for my A-levels.”

Henry Whitwell was thrilled with his results and said: “I wasn’t expecting these results it’s a massive shock! All I really wanted was a 9 in History, which I got.”

Commenting on Oasis Academy John Williams’ results, Principal Victoria Boomer-Clark said: “At Oasis Academy John Williams we are passionate about giving our students the opportunities that they need to make great progress and flourish, and this year more of our students than ever are leaving us with the qualifications they need to take the next step towards a fulfilling career.”

We’re so proud Following on from A-level exam success, Bristol Grammar School

pupils have been celebrating remarkable results in their GCSE examinations.

BGS Headmaster, Jaideep Barot, commented: “More than the collective successes which normally and understandably grab the headlines in our leaguetable-obsessed culture, it is the successes of those individuals who have worked hard to achieve what they have, that we salute today.

Very well done to them all for their outstanding efforts; they are a rounded and outstanding group of young men and women of whom we are proud.”

Across the 27 subjects offered, 80 per cent of GCSE entries were graded at A*–B (or the numerical equivalent of 9–6) with over twofifths at A* or 9–8, and 63 per cent at A*–A (or 9–7). 30 per cent of our pupils gained 10 or more grades at A* and A, and 22 of them achieved ten A* grades or more.

Pupils fared well across all areas of the curriculum.

Twenty five pupils achieved a grade 9 in both Maths and English Language.

25

Volunteering in the community - can you help?

Students at Merchants' Academy in Withywood are looking for ways to get involved in their local area this year.

A record uptake of nearly 50 students aged 13-16 are expected to start their Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) Awards at the school this year. The award has four sections: Physical, Skill, Volunteering and Expedition. The volunteering section involves students giving their time to help people in need in their local community for an hour a week spread over at least three months.

“If you know of a group or organisation that students could volunteer or you belong to a sports club in the Withywood, Hartcliffe or Knowle area, Merchants' Academy would love to hear from you.

Please contact Jonathan directly with details: jonathan.crouch@ merchantsacademy.org.”

Life changing Reception Open Morning Tuesday 24 September 9.30am–11.30am Call Hollie Matthews on 0117 933 9885 Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Becky on 07912 484405 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Developing

collaborative Thinkers Senior School and Sixth Form Open Evening: Thursday 19th September 2019

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September 2019

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27

n SCHOOL NEWS

Another year of improved results for south Bristol campus Bridge Learning Campus is pleased to announce that GCSE results have improved for the third year in a row with many individual success stories to celebrate.

This year, the school celebrates 100 per cent pass rates across eight different subjects, with more students achieving a strong pass of grade 5 and above in English and maths.

In English, 73 per cent of students achieved a pass in GCSE English, surpassing the 2018 national average, and progress across all subjects has improved by almost one whole grade per student since 2017.

One of BLC’s highest attainers was Matthew Tyler, who achieved nine qualifications at grade 7 or above, including two grade 9s in science and two Distinction* grades.

Jodie Shackleton was another high achiever. She secured strong passes in 10 GCSEs (or equivalent), including grade 8 in

English. A keen linguist, Jodie took extra lessons after school to study for Italian GCSE in addition to Spanish GCSE. Achieving an average of 1.5 grades above expected progress in each subject was Jericho Vergara (pictured, above). His excellent grades have paved the way for him to study chemistry,

biology and psychology at St Mary Redcliffe. Jericho has ambitions of studying medicine at Oxford University and one day becoming a doctor.

Not missing a day of secondary school helped Joe Sampson, who has just started his plumbing apprenticeship, make progress of nearly one

grade better than the national average across all his subjects.

Headteacher, Rupert Maule, said: “I am pleased that the hard work of the students and their teachers has been rewarded by these results. Students have responded positively to the high expectations we have introduced for all of our pupils and have risen to this challenge.

“It is our ambition to be the one of the best schools in the South West and to be in the top 20 percent of all schools nationally.

“Results in English show the high standards that we can reach and the improved results in all other areas show that we are on the right path to achieving our ambition. We continue to have the highest expectations of what Bridge Learning Campus can achieve for all its young people and I am confident and determined that we will secure further improvement in future years.”

Life changing Open Evening

Friday 4 October

Year 3 to Year 6: 4.00pm–6.00pm Year 7 to Lower Sixth: 4.00pm–8.00pm Call Hollie Matthews on 0117 933 9885 The only co-educational school in Bristol to offer A levels and the IB Diploma in the Sixth Form

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

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September 2019

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n SCHOOL NEWS

Ashton Park sixth form celebrates strong results Ashton Park Sixth Form students are celebrating their well-earned results, which include many notable successes.

The vast majority of students, over 84 per cent, gained their UCAS places with confirmed places on courses ranging from nursing, criminology, midwifery, sport and business management and coaching.

They go to universities such as Loughborough, Bath, Essex, Plymouth, Cardiff Met and Liverpool.

Headteacher Nick John said: “On behalf of all the staff we congratulate all our students on their successes and thank them for their contribution to the school. We wish them well in their onward journeys to

higher education, employment or training and are confident they will be successful in their future endeavours.” At A-level, performance in the arts was particularly strong. Photography returned 1 A*, 3 As, 11 Bs and 1 C, which represented the whole cohort, and fine art 2 Bs and a C. Sociology returned an A, 2 Bs and 6 Cs while psychology gained 1 A and 6 Cs. The sciences also enjoyed success, with biology and chemistry achieving 4 Bs and 1B and a C respectively.

The school’s vocational results were outstanding, particularly in sport, where the partnership with Bristol City Robins Foundation continues to thrive. Two thirds of the cohort gained Distinctions (A* to A grade equivalent).

Students who gained triple Distinction Stars were Lauren and Grace Phillips, Caitlyn Rice, Ollie Mesquita, Joe Eustace and Conor Mckeigue. Year 12 and 13

all achieved pass and above in the new specification. There was a similar story in IT with two thirds achieving Distinctions.

GCSE pride and satisfaction as high grades plentiful Students at Ashton Park School have found the formula for success with an extremely strong performance in science subjects this year.

Those who took triple science - an option that is growing in popularity - did exceptionally well. Almost half the candidates achieved grades 9-7 and 98 per cent earned grades 9-5.

Overall there was a significant increase in students achieving the highest grades across the board.

Forty-eight per cent of students achieved a standard pass (grade 9-4) in English and maths and 31 per cent gained a strong pass (grades 9-5).

A spokesperson said: “The partnership with Redland Green

School through the Gatehouse Green Learning Trust has helped raise standards at Ashton Park and is expected to have further impact across a wide and challenging curriculum in future years.”

The school saw particularly strong results in arts, textiles and photography. Equally valued were some of the achievements of students attached to the school’s specialist learning resource provision and pupil support base.

Students of all abilities secured the results they needed to successfully progress to the next phase of their education.

As always there were a huge number of individual successes that were met with much joy and excitement.

Headteacher Nick John acknowledged the hard work of staff and students as well as the support of parents as key to the school’s success. ‘’As a community we celebrate all our students’ achievements with pride and wish them well as they move on to sixth form study, apprenticeships and college. On behalf of the staff and governors I would like to thank students for their contribution to the school over the last five years,’’ he said.

Sarah Baker, chief executive of Gatehouse Green Learning Trust, said: “Well done to the students at Ashton Park school on your Key Stage 4 results, a secure preparation for the next stage in your learning. ”

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30

September 2019

n BALLOON FIESTA

Spectacular ... but rain leaves fiesta goers slightly deflated

Readers’ photos: This page, ready to fly and Darth Vadar by Tim Maynard.

Opposite, clockwise from top: lineup and snowmen by Sam Astall; a parrot taken in the mid-eighties by Joyce from Ashton Vale; the mass ascent in 2017 by Tanya Gabriel; and a room with a view this year by Linda Watts

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September 2019

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31

n BALLOON FIESTA

It was sadly a weekend of high winds and rain for this year’s Bristol Balloon Fiesta.

But despite adverse weather conditions, plenty of fun was had on the ground, and clear weather on Thursday allowed for an early mass ascent across the skies and a naked nightglow in the evening.

The Darth Vader balloon, which was made in Bristol, was able to make its first voyage across the

city, much to the delight of fiesta organisers and onlookers.

Bristol Balloon Fiesta tweeted: “Massive thanks to everyone for their support this weekend, especially to our balloonists who spent the whole fiesta being optimistic for a change in the weather. We loved our naked nightglow and Darth Vader flying over the suspension bridge... a truly #Bristol moment!”

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September 2019

southbristolvoice

n NEWS

(Grand)parent and toddler group so popular it is set to continue A grandparent and toddler play group has proved so successful that it will be continuing from September.

BS3 Community, the charity that runs the Southville Centre and the Chessel Centre, launched the group for grandparents with childcare responsibilities earlier this year as an initial trial and it has proved very popular with grannies and grandpas.

Emma Lunt, a qualified teacher and a community arts practitioner, co-ordinates the group which offers craft, play, singing and story time.

Emma said: “The group is a friendly and welcoming place for grandparents to meet with others that are also caring for their grandchildren whilst parents are working.

“One of our regulars, who is actually a great granny, said she

thinks she has just as much fun as her greatgranddaughter, which is lovely to hear.”

The playgroup is FREE to attend and runs on Tuesdays during term time, 10.30-12pm.

The first session for the new term will be September 3.

For more information about the group email family.services@ bs3community.org.uk or just pop into the group, there is no need to book!

33

Swivel bridge’s 170th celebration The Brunel Swivel Bridge - dubbed ‘Brunel’s other bridge’ - is marking its 170th birthday and readers are invited to celebrate the remarkable survival of the bridge in Cumberland Basin.

The event takes place September 7-8, 10am-4pm and those attending can have a go at blacksmithing, riveting and metal stamping. There is even the opportunity to lift the 70 tonne bridge.

There will also be demonstrations, exhibitions and tours of the swivel bridge, plus interactive models and refreshments.

Entrance is free but there is a charge for activities.

For five years, the Avon Industrial Buildings Trust has been carrying out investigations, trials, emergency repairs and development work to restore the Bridge as a crossing. For more information about the bridge, visit: www.brunelsotherbridge.org.uk

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

September 2019

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September 2019

southbristolvoice

n THE CITY PAGE

35

BRISTOL CITY ROUND-UP

Brexit (not that one!) gives opportunity for new European stars MARTIN POWELL says there is a real spirit of Euro unity at Ashton Gate but fans will only be happy if this translates to ‘les triomphes’ on the field after a shaky start

I

t is an interesting project and we are all keen to know whether people from many nations across Europe can form a union and achieve success. Of course, I’m not talking here about anything that involves a referendum but Bristol City’s season following a major influx of new faces.

From France we have the “wonderkid” HansNoah Massengo, bringing a combination of youth, talent and an amazing haircut to South Bristol and likely to be an instant hit with young fans.

From Hungary we have Adam Nagy, who impressed in his first game against Birmingham and looks like being a rock in the midfield.

From Czechia (that’s the Czech Republic for older readers and Czechoslovakia for

pensioners) comes Tomas Kalas, who impressed so much last year he’s made a permanent move to be the pivotal defender.

From Portugal we have Pedro Periera, who again made an impressive first team debut with a promise of more to come as he settles in to his new surroundings. With a new Irish back-up goalkeeper in Rene Gilmartin joining the ranks that already boast players from Austria, Finland, Wales, Senegal, Sweden and England it is no wonder that former City player Kalifa Cisse has joined the backroom staff as he speaks five languages.

The two players that stood out in the first few games are both from these shores. Tommy Rowe looks like adding some muchneeded maturity to a team of future stars while Kasey Palmer,

Kasey Palmer walking out onto the pitch with his son who on loan last year never quite fulfilled his promise, looks as though he is gearing up for a top season.

Of course with enough new arrivals to form a team it means some players exiting Bristol City (let’s make up a word and call it Brexit for brevity). Adam Webster secured a superb deal that sees him playing Premier League football and the club ploughing much of the money back into Europe as a result.

Marlon Pack, a solid performer over many years, made a surprise Brexit to Cardiff in a last-minute surprise deal. For Jamie Paterson and Mat Taylor, although there was much talk of a deal the deadline came and went and now Paterson finds himself on loan in the same division while Matty Taylor has to examine what “no deal” means for him.

Let’s hope he gets an opportunity to play his part in the season ahead alongside newly recruited Benik Afobe, as he has

always given 100 per cent and is a fans favourite.

August looked like a difficult month from the second the fixture list was published and a defeat in the first game at Leeds meant that all the talk of “team bonding” in Florida sounded a little hollow and sparked the influx of new players.

Defeat in a penalty shoot-out against QPR means interest in the Carabao Cup is already over and an early injury to Jay Dasilva, who many thought would make an impact this year, shows just how hard it is to predict success.

One thing is certain ... Bristol City as a business is making real progress. The value of the assets that each of the players represent has risen enormously in the last two years. The club is now trading players in the £8 million to £20 million category.

But fans will only be happy if the value of those players equates to results. The hard work of bringing all the players together into a European Union that is popular with the public has just begun for Lee Johnson and his team.

Martin’s shorts

Former City player and Bristolian Steve Stacey is back at Ashton Gate on the evening of Friday September 6 (7pm) as his story “The Colour of Football” is published. He was the first black African-American to grace the game. He currently lives in Australia.

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September 2019

southbristolvoice

n YOUR COUNCILLORS Southville

W

e had a discussion about bus franchising at the July council meeting.

I’d always Charlie assumed I would Bolton support it as it Green allows the relevant Southville authority to set fares, routes and frequency of given services, so you’d think what’s not to like.

However, the trouble with our bus service is we have a private monopoly.

And franchising is a form of putting routes out to tender. It would cost many millions of pounds for a competitor to set one up (or at least a meaningful one), so we are trying to franchise (ie put out to tender) to a monopoly who could just turn round and say ‘n - o’.

And what then?

I’m sure franchising could help a bit - push things a little in the right direction, but it is also an expensive process.

SO the question is does the cost

justify the outcome, and is it the best way of achieving it?

I don’t know the answer, but I’d want to know before supporting franchising as a process.

WECA is now the transport authority, and the current (Tory) metro mayor shows no interest in it. So unless we get a change of mayor, it won’t happen anyway.

Methinks the LibDems may have their eyes on it, but it remains to be seen.

From a personal point of view, I remember working in Cribbs Casueway for a couple of months in the run up to Christmas. I specifically remember taking 2.25 hours to get back from there to the city centre one night. So find the combination of public transport and job opportunities ‘a challenge’.

I’m not sure it will significantly change without millions and millions of pounds of investing in routes.

Change of government anyone?

P

How to contact your councillor: p2

arking. I am very frustrated that there is still no progress on the parking problems locally. Everyone Stephen who lives here Clarke knows what needs Green to be done: the Southville current parking regulations need to be properly enforced by the police and council on match-days; there needs to be serious consideration of an extension to the residents’ parking zone across North St into the Victorian terraced streets; and the Long Ashton Park and Ride needs to be opened for football and rugby traffic. It’s not rocket-science; just get on with it…please.

Clean air Bristol’s air is terrible and so it seems is our leaders’ process for trying to improve it. The council are currently going through a consultation process on two options but the process is deeply flawed; mainly because much of the evidence behind it has not

been available. Meanwhile, the Government have written yet another stiff letter telling the council to sort it out. This one reads like a final warning. Can it really be right that we are relying on a Conservative government to protect us from the non-actions of a Labour administration?

The airport expansion As many of you will know, Bristol Airport has submitted a planning application to expand the airport passenger numbers by an extra two million a year and has plans to double in size to 20 million passengers a year in the longer term. The extra carbon that will be produced, the other toxins in the air, the noise from the night flights, the parking on the Green Belt and the congestion from the cars are just not worth the claimed economic benefits. I am not trying to stop families having their summer holidays; this is about frequent flyers whose flights are heavily subsidised. The airport already has existing permission to expand by nearly 1.5m passengers a year. That should be enough.

Forums in South Bristol

ousing lH

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rums Fo

Local Housing Forums for Bristol council tenants

Loc a

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2019

Area 5: Monday 16 September 2019, 6.15-8.30pm Area 6: Wednesday 18 September, 2019, 6.15-8.30pm

Bedminster, Brislington East, Brislington West, Knowle, Southville, Windmill Hill

Bishopsworth, Filwood, Hartcliffe & Withywood, Hengrove & Whitchurch, Stockwood

At: City Hall Meeting Spaces First Floor - 1P 08, City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR

At: City Hall Meeting Spaces First Floor - 1P 09, City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR

Are you a council tenant in the areas listed above? Please get involved in your September Local Housing Forum - your opinions help us make decisions! Book a place and have your say on how the council housing service is run. Travel expenses can be reimbursed, plus free tea & coffee is provided. For further information contact: Tenant Participation (0117) 3521444 or email tpu@bristol.gov.uk.

All details at: www.bristol.gov.uk/LocalHousingForums.

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

September 2019

southbristolvoice

n YOUR COUNCILLORS Bedminster

T

he 24 bus is a critical route for many people travelling from Bedminster to the city centre and all the way Mark to Southmead Bradshaw Hospital. As a regular Labour bus passenger Bedminster on the service, the increased overcrowding and unreliability of the service is clear to see. More people are using the 24, but there are not enough seats available and gaps between the bus arriving have lengthened, or sometimes, two buses arrive at the same time. Congestion is definitely part of the problem, but the lack of seats means that passengers just cannot get on.

First operates the 24 as a commercial service without council subsidy, so they can decide what changes to make. As councillors, we have been desperately keen to keep the 24 service (we were worried that it might be much less frequent or terminating before the Vale) and to comment on various proposals

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from First to minimise the level of inconvenience and potential for confusion, but also to ensure people knew as early as possible about the changes. Using double deckers on the route makes sense.

However, the low railway bridge in Ashton Drive prevents double decker access along that section of the route. This means that journey times will increase as a different route had to be found. In all, it seems four stops will cease to be used in Ashton Vale, but the 24 will stop at an additional five stops at various times of the day.

The new route could also meet the demand from new residents in the area living at Ashton Rise and those working at nearby businesses on the industrial estate. The route and timetable changes come into effect on September 15. We have asked First to put more information on buses, noticeboards and at dropin events to share the details and answer any queries people have.

We are using our councillor’s Facebook page to share information, @MarkandCeliaforBedminster.

W

How to contact your councillor: p2

e are now seeing some action aimed at tackling the parking problems we experience in Celia the area. The Phipps Highways team are Labour consulting on Bedminster proposals this month which, if approved, will see yellow lines on corners along the length of Duckmoor Road and surrounding streets. Also included will be the lower length of Luckwell road including the school, where road marking will not allow stopping Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm. The detail, in letter form, will be available on our Facebook page @MarkandCeliaforBedminster.

This forms an integral part of changes to improve safety around the school area and is long overdue.

Highways team also plan to deliver a further survey to homes in the area in the autumn to ask more about parking problems. We were

disappointed that the RateBS3 survey was only partially accepted but at least the message has been heard. We plan to invite key people down to the area to see the parking problems for themselves but the legislation behind any proposals is not a speedy process. Please do participate if you are able to do so.

Ashton Vale residents will also receive a statutory consultation this month in letter form on additional yellow lines to prevent obstructive parking. Once again, this will look at the street corners and the length of South Liberty Lane. Corner parking has hampered access for Emergency vehicles and the current 24 bus route and will go some way to improving access.

Enforcement of the yellow lines will then be requested because the use of cones is ineffective. We have been asking for this proposal to be carried out for some time.

We are always pleased to discuss issues with you so 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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September 2019

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38

For serious sudoku fans

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

319 5 85 6 4 6 © www.123rf.com/profile_KsenyaSavva

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

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Solutions

6 New Zealand

This month: US states and capitals This month: The Human Body This month: Capital Cities

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For younger readers HOW MANY ICE CREAMS?

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THE FIEND

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n TAKE A BREAK

September 2019

southbristolvoice

39

n HISTORY THREE BEDMINSTERS, PART 2

A millionaires’ playground - the other Bedminster Last month we learned how the religious divisions of 17th century England led to the founding of two places called Bedminster in America. What happened to the settlers and the slaves they brought with them? How did the Bedminsters prosper? And how similar are they today to Bedminster BS3? Paul Breeden reports

T

HE ROYAL deed to Bedminster New Jersey, issued by King George II in 1749, still exists. Giving a clue to the status of its present inhabitants, the document is owned by the billionaire Malcolm Forbes, publisher of the famous Forbes List of the world’s wealthiest people. He paid between $20,000 and $25,000 for it, but despite the fact that it’s one of the few artefacts remaining that links the area to its royal heritage, it’s kept out of sight in a Long Island warehouse.

The Forbes are just one of America’s richest families who have owned property in Bedminster Township. Others include Robert Johnson, owner of the New York Jets football team, and John DeLorean, flamboyant car executive whose DeLorean car company crashed and burned in 1982 amid allegations of corruption and drug dealing.

It was DeLorean’s fall from grace that forced him to give up his grand property at Lamington Farm. After a bankruptcy auction, it was later acquired for $35 million (£40m) in 2000

by Donald Trump, who the following year turned it into two golf courses and country club.

It’s not even the only golf club in the township: there are a further three golf courses at Fiddler’s Elbow country club. (And if that isn’t enough, there are three more clubs just outside the township boundary).

Yes, Bedminster Township is a rather rarified place compared to Bedminster, Bristol. It’s set in the Somerset Hills of New Jersey, in Somerset County (in the US, a county is a subdivision of a state).

It’s the home of millionaires and billionaires. There are so many horses that most of the roads are unpaved, to make it easier on the hooves.

There’s even a genuine fox hunt, modelled on an English one, though its history is the reverse of hunts in the UK. The Essex Fox Hounds started in the 1870s as a drag hunt – that is, riders chased an artificial scent.

This was because “the country was hardly suitable for the best results in foxhunting, as much of it was absolutely unrideable; and … the supply of foxes limited” according to the hunt’s website.

But while in England, animal rights legislation has forced hunts to more or less avoid killing foxes and chase a scent instead, their New Jersey brethren have tamed their wild countryside, imported English foxhounds, and allowed their fox population to grow to a number which allows them to hunt regularly. Few in BS3 would approve, but the two Bedminsters are very different.

Back in the day of the 1749 royal deed, though, the New Jersey countryside was untamed and unmapped. Hence the deed had to spell out the limits of the new township: “Beginning at the Mouth of a Brook known by the name of Chamber’s Brook from thence up the said Brook to McDaniels Mill standing at the North West End of the first Mountain, from thence up a small Branch of said Brook to the Second Mountain and along by the West Corner of Jacob Brewer’s house …” and so on.

The royal deed gives Bedminster the right “To be and Remain a Perpetual Township and community in Word and in Deed to be Called

Hillary Clinton: Like Donald Trump, she also has a Bedminster connection.

Her great-great grandfather was Edwin John Howell, who was born about 1866 and lived in King Street, Bedminster. (The street was parallel to Princess Street, next to the railway near Bedminster station, but no longer exists – it’s now covered by industrial buildings). Edwin, his father, also called Edwin, and grandfather Benjamin were all shipwrights who worked in Bristol harbour. In 1881 the family were at 19 King Street (they had also lived at No 2 and No 5) and Edwin, 15 was listed as a dray boy. Edwin emigrated to the USA and was living in Elgin, Illinois, by the 1890s. He later found work in the car factories of Chicago. His son, also Edwin, had a daughter, Dorothy, who, in 1947, gave birth to Hillary. Hillary Clinton once said her great-great grandfather had been Welsh. He wasn’t, though the family had Welsh relatives, and did live in Swansea for a time in the 1870s. and Known by the Name of the Township of Bedminster,” as well as permission to appoint a constable.

Yet as we saw last month, this new land was not a free one for all its inhabitants. Many of the settlers, even the idealistic Quakers, kept slaves. And their treatment of the Native American population was abominable.

William Penn, founder of

Pennsylvania, dictated that his huge plantation at Pennsbury, PA, should be worked by African slaves in preference to white servants.

“It was better they was blacks, for then a man has them while they live.” This shocking sentence was in a letter he wrote from England to his agent in Philadelphia.

Continued overleaf

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40

September 2019

n HISTORY Continued from pg. 39 By this Penn means that he can keep Africans working all their lives. In contrast, white servants could be worked almost as slaves by being indentured for a number of years – but then they were free.

Yet the Quakers were among the first to see that slavery was unChristian, and wrong.

Penn himself proposed that Pennsylvanian slaves should be freed after a number of years, and allowed to live in a new Freetown. But the Pennsylvania Assembly, which he had set up and was dominated by Quakers, refused.

The reason: there was a shortage of labour, not only for the huge job of clearing the new farms and townships, but for working the new industries such as ironworks, tanning, mining and salt-making. There was also a huge market for food – the slave plantations of the West Indies made so much money from sugar that their owners would not grow food there, and preferred to buy it from the new Americans.

At first the white indentured

William Penn: This painting, Penn’s Treaty with the Indians by Benjamin West, shows William Penn, centre, negotiating a land purchase with the Lenni Lenape or Delaware Indians at the Treaty of Shackamaxon in 1682. Some historians believe Penn’s sons destroyed the treaty so that they could break the deal and obtain more land from the Native Americans.

servants were the majority. So many were shipped to the New World from Bristol that the city corporation ordered a record to be kept. The result, The Bristol Registers of Servants Sent to Foreign Plantations, 1654-1686, is one of the most valuable records of the period.

The council’s aim was to prevent unfortunate youths being more or less enslaved – because the “servants” had no rights while they were serving their indentures. Generally they were entitled to land or other goods

FACTFILE Two Bedminsters compared Bedminster Bristol

Parking Two Resident Parking Schemes have not solved chronic parking woes, especially around North Street and Ashton Gate stadium Public transport Numerous bus routes including two ‘rapid transit’ Metrobus routes; railway stations at Bedminster (average approx 252 passengers a day), Parson Street (average approx 378 passengers a day).

Sports Ashton Court stadium, capacity 27,000 – championship football club Bristol City, premiership rugby union club Bristol Bears.

Swimming pools Dean Lane, Bedminster, 30.5m length. Annual membership £220 Golf courses Long Ashton golf club Annual membership £1,225 Places to visit Ashton Court – Tudor mansion and 850-acre estate; Arnos Vale – historic 42-acre cemetery & woodland; North Street – revived shopping street with acclaimed butchers, bakers, restaurants, craft and art shops Property Median home price £312,500 (BS3 postcode, home.co.uk) Poverty In Bedminster ward 21.7% of children live in low income families; Southville ward 15.1% Crime* Burglary 5.1 per 1,000 people Violent & sexual offences 27.2 per 1,000 All crimes 76.5 per 1,000 * Bedminster ward only, 2018-19

worth £10 when they finished their indenture – usually no less than four years.

The devastation of Bedminster in 1645 at the end of the English Civil War no doubt contributed to the number wanting to emigrate to the New World, even if the conditions were harsh.

The Bristol Registers contain 13 names of Bedminster servants bound to new masters. In the period covered by the book, most went to the West Indies or to tobacco plantations in Virginia rather than Pennsylvania; a

Bedminster NJ

Parking Gee, no problem. But more than half the roads are unpaved – the horses prefer it Public transport Somerset County service on Route 206 serves Bridgewater, Somerville, Raritan, and Hillsborough. Lakeland Bus Lines’ Route 78 rushhour service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan.

Far Hills station 3 miles – serves Hoboken, NY and Manhattan. Average 113 passengers a day.

Sports Essex Fox Hounds, Peapack; Mars Essex Horse Trials, Moorland Farm, Far Hills; Trump National golf course & country club: spa, tennis courts, riding trails, heliport, 11 cottages.

Swimming pools Trump National, 22.86m length.

Annual membership $300,000 Golf courses Five – two at Trump National, three at Fiddler’s Elbow county club Places to visit Vanderveer-Knox House & Museum – 1770s home used by General Henry Knox during the Revolutionary War; Pluckemin Continental Artillery Cantonment Site, where General Henry Knox created America’s first artillery training academy during the winter of 1778-1779.

Property Median home price $382,700 (£303,000, niche.com) Poverty About 0.9% of families and 2.7% of population below poverty line (2010) Crime* Burglary 0.121 per 1,000 Assault 0.121 per 1,000 Theft 2.53 per 1,000 Motor vehicle theft 0.241 per 1,000 Murder, rape, robbery 0 per 1,000 *Niche.com

typical entry of 1656 reads: “William Taylor of Bedminster, Somerset, smith, to Henry Joice of Bristol, 4 yrs, Virginia”. Often the migrants were those who had lost a parent or breadwinner: in the same year, “Rebecca James of Bedminster, Som, spinster” and “Henry, son of John Saunders of Bedminster deceased,” both left for four years in the service of a John Kingford in Virginia.

The life of the indentured servants was bad but but life for African slaves was worse: as Penn so gracelessly recorded, they could be worked their whole life.

Yet William Penn may have been among the first to try to end the evil of slavery in the Americas. As mentioned, he tried to put a limit on the length of time slaves were in bondage.

He also in 1701 wrote in his will: “ … and my blacks [given] their freedom, as under my hand already…” He seemed to have repented. Yet he wrote two more wills before he died in 1718, and neither of them mentioned freedom for his slaves.

Quakers were nevertheless among the first to campaign for emancipation, in America and in Britain. When the Gradual Emancipation Act was passed by the Pennsylvania legislature 1780, it was the first democratic law ever known to abolish slavery. There were still 3,737 African American slaves in the state in 1790; by 1840 there 64.

America as a whole, of course, did not agree to free the slaves: the question was not to be settled until it tore the country apart in the Civil War of 1861-65.

THE NATIVE AMERICANS: Swindled and dispossessed William Penn also professed to respect the Native Americans who had inhabited the North American forests and valleys for 12,000 years before Europeans arrived.

“My King hath given me

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

September 2019

southbristolvoice

n HISTORY a great province which I … desires to enjoy with their [Native Amercians’] love and consent”, Penn once wrote. On another occasion: “I desire to gain your [Native Americans’] Love and Friendship by a Kind, Just and Peaceable Life.”

A peaceable life was one thing the unnumbered tribes of the North enjoyed. The Shawnee had been reduced from 10,000 to 6,000 in eastern Pennsylvania in 1700; by 1737 they were cheated out of their last lands by John and Thomas Penn, sons of William.

The Penn brothers claimed their father had ruled that no man could buy more land from Native Americans than he could walk in a day and a half. This was known as the Walking Agreement, though there’s no evidence it existed. Even so, the brothers decided to cheat: Thomas hired the three fastest runners he could find to cover as much ground as they could.

He succeeded in claiming half a million acres in 1737, which he then sold to settlers, just as his father had.

Similarly, the Susquehannock of Pennsylvania had been reduced in number from 7,000 in 1600 to only 300 in 1700. In 1763, the remaining 20 were killed by settlers. The same story is told of the peoples known as the Wenro, Iroquois, Mingo, Erie, Mahicans, Conoys, Naticokes, Saponis, Cayugas, Wyandots, Chippewas, Missisaugas and

the Ottawas. Still other tribes in Pennsylvania were wiped out without being identified.

It is a little unfair to characterise the story of the two American Bedminsters as one of savagery and repression.

We tell the tale because it is still the story told less often than the one about the brave, industrious white settlers who founded the world’s wealthiest nation. Still, we should not condemn the new Americans any more than we should the English slavemasters who prospered in Bristol. The tale of the Bedminsters is also the story of Bristol. Let’s hope that in the future, there is more that unites us all than divides us.

Sources • With thanks to Brooks Betz, aka Mr Local History, in New Jersey, who dashed off a most informative article when contacted by South Bristol Voice: www.mrlocalhistory.org/tale-of-twobedminsters/ • The Life & Family of William Penn: 260 Years of Bloody Colonial History Jim McNeill, Bristol Radical Pamphleteer • History of Hunterdon and Somerset Counties, New Jersey James P Snell, 1881 • Locality, Regeneration & Divers[c]ities edited by Sarah Bennett, John H. Butler • The ‘versus’ habit: Bristol, Banksy and the Barons, PJ Gough, in Lest We Forget, Black Dog Press, eds. Maggie Andrews, Charlie Bagot-Jewitt and Nigel Hunt, 2011 • The Bristol Registers of Servants Sent to Foreign Plantations, 1654-1686, Peter Wilson Coldham, Baltimore, Genealogical Pub. Co., 1988.

• essexfoxhounds.org/about-us

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Bedminster, Pennsylvania The fame of Donald Trump’s New Jersey golf course has overshadowed the other American Bedminster, in Pennsylvania. Its first landmark was the Deep Run Presbyterian church, founded in 1725. In 1742, residents petitioned the state’s Court of Quarter sessions to sanction a township.

The survey was done by one John Chapman, said to be the man who named the town after Bedminster, England, though we don’t know what his connection was with Bristol.

The 35 original residents were mainly Irish and German, and when the church was rebuilt in 1841 it was known as the Irish Meeting House, indicating both Irish and Quaker residents. Like the rest of Penn’s settlements, it attracted a wide range of nationalities, almost all Protestant sects.

The town has also had a Mennonite church – a Dutch sect whose members refused military service and public office. It also had Tohickon Reformed church founded by a Swiss pastor, and Keller’s church, founded by German Lutherans.

Originally the village was called Bedminsterville. The township also includes Dublin, Pipersville, Hagersville and Keelersville.

Like Bedminster NJ, it’s rural and prosperous. In the late 1800s its businesses included creameries, taverns, mills, general merchandise stores, masons, painters, shoemakers, saddlers and harness makers, tinsmiths, wheelwrights, carpenters and builders, butchers, cigar makers and dealers.

It had 6,574 residents in 2010, 93.6 per cent of them white, 0.8 per cent black or African American, 1.9 per cent Asiana and 2.5 per cent Hispanic. Just 0.2 per cent remain from the Native American population.

Average income at the 2019 census was $29,153. About 2.8 per cent of families and 3.9 per cent of the population were below the poverty line.

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42

n WHAT’S ON Monday September 2 n Memories of Bedminster at South Bristol Christian Centre, Churchlands Road, 1.30pm. New member Tony will be showing a series of slides of old Bedminster and views of how it is today.

The group meets every Monday, except during holiday periods.

The remainder of September’s programme will follow the format of talks on local topics and memories.

Tuesday September 3 n Knowle Townswomen’s Guild 2pm at Redcatch Community Centre. As part of celebrating the Townwomen’s Guild 90th birthday, we will be holding a “Challenge” afternoon where we will be: Making a new hat from an old one, making a cake from a 1929 recipe (the year we were founded), finding out the duties of a poll vlerk and chatting with someone new. For more information,

YOGA with Jo Hatha Yoga - Mon, 6-7pm, Centre for Whole Health, BS3 3BP Hatha Yoga - Weds, 7-8pm, Windmill Hill City Farm, BS3 4EA Vinyasa Flow - Sat, 10-11am, Urban Gym, BS3 5AA

£9 drop in or 6 classes for £42

Book at www.yoga-with-jo.co.uk Tel: 07808215224 Email: hello@yoga-with-jo.co.uk

visit www.facebook.com/ knowletownswomensguild Thursday September 5 n Ashton Vale Together walkabout and litter pick

September 2019

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Nightingale Valley Community Choir No experience necessary, no need to read music. We cover a range of lighter repertoire from folk song to gospel, Broadway and even Mozart!

St Anne’s Church, Salisbury Road every Monday 7.30-9pm (except 4th Monday of the month) Taster session, free then £5 each week. Contact Anya Szreter szreter.afm@icloud.com

10am, meet at the bus stop on Langley Crescent to do Langley Crescent, bottom end of Ashton Drive through to Brook Gate finishing about 12 noon. Anyone who wishes to join us will be most welcome.

Saturday September 7 & 21 n South Bristol Toy Library 10.30-12pm at United Reformed Church, Stanley Street. A fortnightly toy library in South Bristol to help families reduce plastic waste and what they spend on toys and provide access a wide range of toys. For more information, visit southbristoltoylibrary. co.uk or email hello@ southbristoltoylibrary.co.uk Tuesday September 17 n Ashton Vale Together committee meeting 6.308pm at Silbury Road Youth Club.

Anyone who wishes to join us will be most welcome.

Wednesday September 18 n Greater Bedminster Older People’s Forum Monica Wills House (conference room, ground floor), BS3 3NH, 10am-12 noon. Karen Smyth our Labour MP for Bristol South

will be our guest speaker. Learn what she does and if you have any questions you would like to ask her please come along. Have a cuppa and make new friends.

Donations for our raffle will be greatly appreciated.

Saturday September 21 n Windmill Hill Community Centre Fun Day Vivian Street, BS3 4LW, from 2pm. Lots of local musicians playing after 4pm

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).

FIRST SESSION FREE! Find us on southbristolwellbeingchoir

and in the small hall after 2pm we’re showcasing all our local volunteer groups. The following taster sessions will be taking place in the main hall: 2-2.30pm - Sarah Langford fitness pilates session, 2.30-3pm Paris Elton of Bristol Jeet Kune Do - practical self defence skills, 3-3.30pm Jumpfit bouncing exercise on rebound boots, 3.30-4pm - Jolly Tots under 5s play session. For more information, visit: www. whca.org.uk/funday Sunday September 22 n ASt Aldhelm’s Church Harvest Supper enjoy an evening of poetry, music and humour with Nick the Vic, 5-7pm

at St Aldhelm’s Church. Food and drink will be served (suggested donation is £6. Everyone is welcome. To register your interest email hello@staldhelms. org Thursday September 26 n Avon Organic Group invites local gardeners and growers to our Autumn Talks Programme “Growing Fruit Organically” with Tim Foster, local author & lecturer in organic growing. 7pm, The Station, Silver St, BS1 2AG. £5/£3.50 student/concession. www. groworganicbristol.org 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

Arnos Vocale Do you love classical vocal music, great jazz standards and beautiful international folksongs?

Join Arnos Vocale! Experience of choral singing & reasonable sight-reading ability preferable but come for a free trial.

Sessions are £8 each week.

Knowle Methodist Church Hall (entrance in Redcatch Road) every Tuesday 7.30-9pm.

Contact Anya Szreter: szreter. afm@icloud.com

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

September 2019

n WHAT’S ON Regular events 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 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

southbristolvoice

43

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

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, 7.30-9.30pm on Tues (Nickomo 01749850474). n Lunchtime Live every Friday at St Francis’ Church, Ashton Gate, 1.10-1.50pm.

Performances in a variety of genres: 6th Sept - Solo piano; 13th Sept - Double bass and piano; 20th Sept - Jazz duo, vocals and piano; 27th Sept Flute, cello and piano trio Tea and coffee available before each performance. Free entry, retiring collection. lunchtimelive.co.uk

The Rising Sun live listings - August Windmill Hill, BS3 4LU Fri, 6th: Los Gusanos • Sat, 7th: TBC • Sun, 8th: Lewis Creaven and Patrick Farrell • Sat, 14th: Trip For Biscuits • Fri, 20th: Bandaoke • Sat, 21st: Benny J • Fri, 27th: Ruzz Guitar & Henry Slim • Sat, 28th: The Kitchen Syncopators • Sun, 29th: Red Ray & The Reprobates (trio).

Live music on Fri or Sat starts at 9pm and 4pm on Sun. We also have a weekly Open Mic night now on Wednesdays, Jive Bristol 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month and ‘Jam On The Hill’ on the last Tuesday of the month.

For daytime events, follow The Rising Sun on Facebook

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n THOUGHT OF THE MONTH

I

once had a landlady who was rather proud that she could say exactly to the day when her living room carpet was laid.

“Nineteen sixty three, Edward” she’d say “the day JFK was assassinated”. That was 1991, so her carpet had been down almost thirty years by then.

I thought of her the other day when it was announced that the floor of St Gerard Majella’s hall has been sanded (and generally

with Edward Kelly Pastoral Team, St Gerard Majella, Knowle

Image, Google Maps

Regular services

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 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.

September 2019

n St Paul’s Church 2 Southville Road, Southville BS3 1DG stpsouthville@gmail.com Rev Nick Hay 07534 249338 saintpaulschurch.co.uk

upgraded) for the first time since 1938! Good news, I’m sure, for the salsa classes, but just think of the sheer amount of comings and goings across that floor in eighty one years.

Even if, like me, you have not had time off over the summer, September can still feel like a sudden rushed resumption to life’s normal comings and goings, schools start over, the Wells Road is at a standstill again,

everyone’s “back” and someone is talking about Christmas already.

So it’s important to just take a step back and be still. You might consider sitting in any one of the places of worship below.

In case you’re wondering the floor at St Gerard’s is marble (mainly) and has been supporting us since 1909.

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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September 2019

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n PLANNING APPLICATIONS Bedminster ward: Awaiting decision The Old Tabernacle, Palmyra Road, BS3 3JQ Proposed fenestration alterations, alterations to bike storage facilities and provision of a first-floor extension.

Advertising Sign On Bedminster Bridge Roundabout Bristol 4x No. Non illuminated hoarding signs.

Advertising on roundabout at junction of Wedlock Way And Winterstoke Road, BS3 2EJ 4x No. Hoarding signs Bedminster ward: Decision Ashton Park School, Blackmoors Lane, BS3 2JL Willow - Remove 5 Day notice.

Granted subj to condition(s)

Bower Ashton Studios Kennel Lodge Road, BS3 2JT Proposed 15 non-illuminated ‘Way Finding’ signs to be located throughout Bower Ashton Campus. Granted subj to condition(s) 33 Foxcote Road, BS3 2DA Side return extension. Granted subj to condition(s) Southville ward: Awaiting decision 128 East Street, BS3 4ET Proposed change of use from retail to cafe/takeaway. Proposed external flue.

46 Langton Park, BS3 1EQ Ground floor rear infill extension and loft conversion with L shape rear roof dormer extension, raised ridge height to allow head height in loft & 2 Velux roof

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

07517 476 998

lights to front elevation.

ridge height. Rendered solid wall insulation to external walls.

Granted subject to condition(s)

5 Hardy Avenue, BS3 2BP Proposed erection of single storey rear extension.

47 Exeter Road, BS3 1LY Proposed single storey side infill extension. Granted subject to condition(s)

3 Osborne Road, BS3 1PR Proposed rear single storey ground floor extension to rear/ side and rear ‘dormer’ roof extension. Garage roof replaced with a lean-too pitch roof.

Granted subject to condition(s)

21 Frayne Road, BS3 1RU Side return extension. Granted subject to condition(s) Loft conversion to include L-shaped dormer to rear and balcony built into front roof slope. Withdrawn

23 Southville Place, BS3 1AW Demolition of front & rear sections of the building, rebuild of the rear section and the refurbishment of the property as a dwelling house. Granted subject to condition(s)

21 Exeter Road, BS3 1LY Proposed rear single storey extension. Granted subject to condition(s)

145 - 147 East Street, BS3 4EJ Roof extension with linking external enclosed unheated stair from the first floor. Withdrawn

58 Langton Park, BS3 1EQ First floor rear infill extension and loft conversion with rear roof dormer extension. Raised roof

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

Southville ward: Decision

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September 2019

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n YOUR MP

KARIN SMYTH

Credit concerns

S

ince Universal Credit was introduced for all new claimants in Bristol South last summer, I’ve been helping constituents with many problems including delayed payments, inaccurate entitlement calculations and historic debt. I’ve also raised multiple issues with Ministers in Parliament and have been in contact with the Department for Work and Pensions to highlight concerns.

Many people who attend my Money Entitlement Events are seeking help with Universal Credit and I’ve welcome representatives from the local Jobcentre and Citizens Advice to help work through some of these questions and problems.

My next Money Entitlement event takes place between 10am and 12noon on Tue 1 Oct at Hartcliffe Community Centre. All are

welcome. More details are on my Facebook page.

I read with interest, the latest report from the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Universal Credit released in the summer. It echoes some of the issues I have identified and calls on the government to take decisive action to address these. A comprehensive and much-needed report with plenty of suggested next steps.

Most importantly it includes calls to abolish the five-week wait for Universal Credit, as well as more flexibility with assessment periods to cater for self-employed people and those who may receive two payments within one calendar month.

It also suggests granting children of all Universal Credit claimants free school meals and expanding phone and face-to-face support for those who may struggle with computers. And it advocates writing off historic tax credit over payments, which often occurred due to poor administration by government.

As with my trailer safety APPG, these cross-party groups are an important part of

democracy. Not only do they bring together politicians from different political parties with a shared interest in a specific subject, but they also bring in evidence from industry experts and those directly affected by the topics discussed.

The report recognises Universal Credit as ‘the most important reform of welfare policy for decades’ directly affecting one in four people. It is hugely relevant for Bristol South and, apart from some piecemeal changes to processing times, we’ve not had a satisfactory government response to-date.

I hope that the new government under Prime Minister Boris Johnson will take on board the recommendations of this report and I will continue to push for the changes needed.

If you’re experiencing any problems with Universal Credit, please do get in touch via the contact details below and I’ll see if I can help.

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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