South Bristol Voice July 2021

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July 2021 No. 67

www.southbristolvoice.co.uk

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Parking issues drive away local resident

An aerial view of the proposed sporting quarter at Ashton Gate

Page 3

Field of dreams? Ashton Gate plans submitted P23 Neat! Litter picking station arrives in park Users of Greville Smyth Park can now do their bit to keep the local green space clean and tidy - thanks to a litter picking station which has been installed

in the park. The innovative twominute litter picking station is part of Bristol and Bath Parks Foundation's (BBPF) Your Park initiative, which has been inspired by the community beach cleanups across the South West.

Greville Smyth is one of the first parks in the city to receive a station, alongside Blaise Castle Estate.

Funded by Bristol City Council,

the new unit has been designed to help local people litter pick safely and to get involved in their local park.

Chris Whale, secretary of Friends of Greville Smyth Park (FRoGS) commented: “We’re really delighted to have the new litter picking station here at Greville

Read more, P7

Festival given green light at Greville Smyth Page 4

New developers acquire Knowle shopping centre Page 7

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IN

July 2021

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Contacts

Becky Day Editorial director news@southbristolvoice.co.uk Ruth Drury Sales director 07590 527664 sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk Rich Coulter Editorial director 07775 550607 news@southbristolvoice.co.uk Editorial team: Lindsey Cole Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising is July 21

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

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

HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ...

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

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

By phone: 07584182862 By email: Cllr.Tony.Dyer@bristol.gov.uk Christine Townsend Green, Southville By phone: 07584183843 By email: Cllr.Christine.Townsend@bristol. gov.uk Christopher Davies Lib Dem, Knowle Email: Cllr.Christopher.

Davies@bristol.gov.uk Phone: 07826917714 Gary Hopkins Lib Dem, Knowle (Lib Dem deputy leader) Email: Cllr.Gary.Hopkins@bristol.gov.uk Phone: 07977 512159 Ed Plowden Green, Windmill Hill Phone: 07584184577 By email: Cllr.Ed.Plowden@bristol.gov.uk Lisa Stone Green, Windmill Hill Phone: 07584186535 By email: Cllr.Lisa.Stone@bristol.gov.uk

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

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News

'Parking issues are driving me away'

By Lindsey Cole A Bedminster resident is selling up after 38 years of living in the area due to parking issues.

Roger Turner, of Hebron Road [pictured, right], who works as a driver, has had enough of not being able to park in his area and says the council is doing nothing about it.

He told the South Bristol Voice: “I drive all day and then come home and there’s nowhere to park.”

Mr Turner lives 70 yards from North Street, which is a Resident Parking Zone, but he is not allowed to park there because he is ineligible for a permit.

He added: “The street opposite is a Resident Parking Zone. They’ve made Melville Terrace and Dorset Street an RPZ, but this street, which is the first available turn on North Street, isn’t and anyone can park here, which means I often can’t.”

Mr Turner commented that he has seen people park on his street then walk to get the airport bus, leaving their car for two weeks.

As he leaves for work someone has already taken his space.

Mr Turner said: “I can’t stop them obviously, but when they work late, there’s nowhere for me to park when I get home.”

Mr Turner says that the “problem has got even worse since the pandemic” as the council has permitted eating and drinking establishments to use their parking space outside the venue to allow for social distancing restrictions. He added: “So there’s even more

Roger Turner is moving from Bedminster due to issues with parking

people parking on my street now.”

One employee from a local business overheard our interview and said: “It’s not my fault. I’ve got to park somewhere.”

Mr Turner said if he had a parking permit he would be OK. He has written to his local councillor, MP and the Mayor requesting one for several years, and had no success.

In a response from the council, a spokesperson said:

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"Because the resident lives in an area outside of the parking zone they are ineligible for a permit.”

Mr Turner is now moving to a house in Hedley Park, which has a drive but said: “I’ve loved living here. I’ve been here for more than three decades. It’s just sad that people are moving out because of this."

At the time of print, the South Bristol Voice was still awaiting a comment from Bedminster councillor Mark Bradshaw.

Pool operator hopeful for midJuly opening

By Becky Day Bristol South Pool has faced further delays and is now expected to reopen mid-July.

As reported in the May issue of the South Bristol Voice, the Dean Lane amenity was due to reopen from June 7, but further vandalism and needing to recruit staff have delayed the £200k project.

The pool shut in November 2019 for repair works and has remained closed since.

The closure was originally scheduled for four weeks.

However, ongoing repairs and maintenance, and Covid-19 restrictions extended the closure.

Users of the pool have been eagerly anticipating the reopening.

Gary Teagle, contract manager at Everyone Active, which operates Bristol South Pool, said: “Due to further vandalism and the need to recruit a full team we have had to delay the opening.

“The new staff will need training and there is still ongoing maintenance, cleaning and preparing the site so that it is Covid secure.

“I am hopeful that the site will reopen mid July.”

Southville councillor Tony Dyer has visited the pool, alongside council officers and the leisure operator, to view the works which have been carried out so far.

When open, the pool sees around 100,000 visits each year.

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News

Greville Smyth Park

Festival approved - but noise must be reduced

By Adam Postans, LDRS reporter for South Bristol Voice The “loudest ever” open-air music festival in Bristol has been approved – but the volume must be turned down a bit after scores of neighbours objected.

And it will be held as a one-off trial only on the weekend of July 24-25 at Greville Smyth Park instead of annually over the next three years after applicants Slammin Events scaled back the drum-and-bass event in a bid to placate residents.

Sequences Festival’s organisers had wanted noise levels up to 75 decibels outside the nearest homes, arguing it was the same as that permitted for concerts at nearby Ashton Gate Stadium.

But Bristol City Council environmental health officers said 65 decibels would be more appropriate for the event, which has an 8,000 daily capacity, because of the technical difference that the park was

Greville Smyth Park where the festival is set to take place this month (July)

classed as an “open site”.

Sixty-five householders near the Southville park objected, along with the council’s pollution control team, although a police objection was withdrawn after they agreed conditions.

Neighbour Matthew Gibbs and founder of rateBS3, a local non-profit research organisation, presented a survey [see summary of results, pg. 5] of 253 residents to the licensing sub-committee at

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The research found about three-quarters were opposed to the event and 87 per cent believed the noise would have a negative impact.

Quoting residents’ comments in the report, Mr Gibbs said they included concerns the festival would disturb children’s sleep, potentially damage the grass and could put neighbours at risk because of access problems for emergency vehicles in surrounding streets.

Following the licensing committee meeting, Mr Gibbs spoke to South Bristol Voice.

He said: "I noted that none of our local councillors were invited to attend, let alone be allowed to give their views, or sit on the panel.

"I also noticed that nobody from Friends of Greville Smyth Park attended, likely due to it being on a workday."

Airing the views of local residents, Mr Gibbs questioned whether it is even responsible for the event to go ahead now, following the minimum four week extension of Covid restrictions until July 19.

Slammin Events solicitor Matthew Phipps said the fact there was no representation from the council’s traffic management officers meant the experts did not deem this to be an issue.

He said the event was being run by “proper operators and organisers” who had vast experience and expertise.

Mr Phipps said they had agreed to 112 conditions covering everything from traffic management to security.

He said the fact Ashton Gate Stadium was allowed to play live music up to 75 decibels at the nearest homes meant that level

did not cause a noise nuisance.

“Sixty-five decibels fundamentally undermines the event – the audience would not enjoy themselves,” the solicitor said.

Mr Phipps said the vast majority of festival-goers would either walk or use public transport and that parking arrangements away from the residential area were in place for the small number who would drive.

He said noise levels would be closely monitored during the event but that a mechanical noise limiter was not appropriate because the specified volume related to just outside the nearest homes, not at the source on stage.

City council senior environmental health officer Dylan Davies said: “The problem is residents are relatively close to the event area so it is a very restricted site. Music levels will be relatively high.”

Granting the licence with revised conditions, subcommittee chairman Cllr Paul Goggin said the decision was a compromise over noise levels.

He said the average volume over a 15-minute period within one metre of any home must not exceed 68 decibels up to 4.30pm, 70db from 4.30pm to 7.30pm and 72db after 7.30pm.

The licence allows the sale of alcohol from midday to 10.10pm on Saturday and until 9.40pm on Sunday, with music and dance performance until 10.30pm on Saturday and 10pm on Sunday.

The line-up includes globally renowned DJs including Chase & Status, Gorgon City and Sonny Fodera.

• Southville councillors share their views, pg. 15

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News Summary of results from rateBS3's survey about the festival: • The majority of residents are against the event happening in Greville Smyth Park (59%) • Net sentiment against (74%) is stronger among those who live within 0.5 miles of the park (82%) • A majority recognise the positive impact the event may have on the local economy (61%) • There is overwhelming concern about how the festival will impact residents' lives, including criminal damage, ASB, substance abuse, noise pollution, parking and road safety • There is concern that the park will not recover.

Alternative venue suggestions were Ashton Court and Ashton Gate

5

Greville Smyth Park

Calls to reinstate toilet in popular park

By Lindsey Cole A report that surveyed BS3 residents found that reinstating the toilet block in Greville Smyth Park should be a primary concern.

Nine in ten of the 253 people surveyed as part of a Greville Smyth Park study - carried out by independent research organisation rateBS3 - want the public toilets to be refurbished and opened.

The same study also gathered local views about the dance festival which has now been approved and set to go ahead in July [see story, page 4].

In the report, a resident said that they love the park and feel very lucky to have it, but, “GET THE TOILETS OPEN! It’s disgusting the park doesn’t have these facilities. It’s inhumane.”

One resident commented that the number of people who use the bushes as a toilet is ‘ridiculous’ as there is no alternative.

The rateBS3 report found that residents were in favour of finding a self-sustaining financial solution that restores and maintains the toilets.

They said it could be used as a model for other parks in Bristol.

53% of the residents supported the idea of turning the toilet block into a tea/coffee outlet with toilets on the side.

“The park is so popular, it deserves a permanent café area, and would surely be sustainable with enough visitors,” one resident said.

Another person surveyed said: “We could have a fun day to raise funds for the park. The toilets need to be open for park users.”

The report also found that the residents would like to see the area under the flyover improved.

Many residents suggested wild flowers, trees and bug hotels could turn a "forgotten" area into an asset. The report said bringing skatepark users into

the conversation is important.

“Any ideas should come from the skatepark users. Make them feel included and central to the area they spend time in,” a resident said.

Matt Gibbs, who voluntary set up the independent research initiative, rateBS3, to represent the community, said: “I’d like to try to get people together who want to work towards raising the funds and getting permission required to achieve those goals.”

A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “The successful Community Toilet Scheme has been in place since December 2017 and enables citizens to access facilities run by businesses and organisations.

“Now that COVID-19 restrictions are easing, many facilities are available again for the public to use. Therefore, there are currently no plans to review re-opening toilets in any of the parks that do not have such facilities.’’

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News

Anxiety as Knowle shopping centre is sold

By Lindsey Cole A local campaigner has expressed trepidation and disappointment as Broadwalk Shopping Centre has been been purchased by another development company.

The £100 million redevelopment plan, put forward by original developers Pelican, was given the green light in March 2019, but residents have been told the building has now been sold to investment and development company, Melburg.

Laura Chapman, a Knowle resident and campaigner, said: “We’ve spent all this time understanding what was going on and now we’re dealing with a different set of circumstances and have to start from scratch.”

Laura lives in Ryde Road, next to Broadwalk, and was opposed to the original twelvestorey high flats proposal, as she said it would cast huge shadows on her street. She also feared the local amenities would not be able to cope with the 420 new flats.

Broadwalk Shopping Centre, Google Maps At a community meeting in 2019 to discuss the proposals, Laura said that Pelican reassured residents that they would see the development project through to the end.

Speaking to the South Bristol Voice, a spokesperson for Pelican said that the firm hoped to be

involved all the way through, but did not guarantee it and that they could not foresee what could happen.

According to councillors Gary Hopkins and Chris Davies in their column this month, Melburg has retained the design team who were involved in the original plans, but said "there are bound to be some changes" [see page 14].

A spokesperson for Melburg said: “We are delighted to have recently acquired Broadwalk Shopping Centre.

“We are currently putting together the design team, and look forward to working with Bristol City Council, ward councillors and the local community to bring the project forward as soon as possible.”

Laura says it is her hope that now there is a new team, they can all sit around a table and discuss what is best for the community.

Litter-picking station for Greville Smyth Continued, page 1 Smyth. It’s a great way of involving people in their park to help keep it clean and show they care about their local green space. We look forward to seeing it become a regular activity and supporting those who already come and help pick up litter in the park.”

Rich Brady the owner of the mobile coffee shop in the park, ‘Hopper Coffee’ will act as ‘Guardian’ of the litter picking board and equipment, helping to store and care for it as part of his operation.

Charlee Bennett, director of Bristol and Bath Parks Foundation said: "We’re delighted to work with our community partners, Hopper Coffee, Bristol City Council and the Friends Groups, without whom this wouldn’t be possible. If you’re local to these parks – head over and have a go!”

School News n VENTURERS’ ACADEMY in south Bristol has been shortlisted for the Alternative Provision school of the year title at the Tes Schools Awards 2021.

The national accolade is welcome recognition for the special school, which opened five years ago and has grown rapidly.

Venturers’ Academy has the motto “Where Everything’s Possible”. Students regularly surpass expectations: taking part in a tall ships voyage around Britain and participating in national talent contests, for example.

The Tes awards are for 2019-20, when all schools were forced to send most students to learn at home due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Head of school Steve Hobden said: “The biggest challenge of lockdown was implementing remote learning for complex learners – but our staff are used to being flexible and adaptable and they met the challenge headon with innovative solutions."

The awards ceremony was due to be held online on Friday June 25.

n A PRIMARY SCHOOL in Knowle West has just rolled out a scheme which has provided an iPad to students and teaching staff.

This is to ensure all students have equal access to education due to the current Covid environment, and to enhance the curriculum offered by the school.

Oasis Academy Connaught, part of the Oasis Community Learning trust, has distributed over 390 iPads with keyboard cases to students and staff.

Over the coming months, Oasis will continue to embark on a ground-breaking rollout of 35,000 iPad devices to all 52 Oasis Academies in the largest investment in the provision of iPads in England to date.

George Fraser, principal at Oasis Academy Connaught, said: “We are extremely excited to be part of the project. Every child now has access to an exceptional device enabling them to complete research, enhance their learning and develop as learners."

Parents of students from across all year groups have thanked the school for giving their children these devices.

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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Rich on 0777 555 0607 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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9

MARVIN REES, Mayor of Bristol

T

Night Time Economy still needs support

he re-opening of Bristol’s Night Time Economy (NTE) has been a hot topic in recent weeks, with the sector and residents alike ready to come back with a bang after a hugely challenging 16 months. However, at the time of writing, we have been informed that the planned reopening has now been delayed by four weeks to July 19.

The NTE is loosely defined as businesses which operate between 6pm and 6am; the city doesn’t stop at 6 o’clock. It is most widely known as encompassing hospitality such as pubs, bars, restaurants, and cultural spaces, including live music venues, nightclubs and comedy clubs. It also extends to the broad spectrum of businesses operating alongside the above, such as taxis, hotels, and the supply chain.

The NTE has been one of the hardest hit sectors by the pandemic. Even those venues that can open under current restrictions, such as pubs, bars and restaurants, are taking 20%-30% of their usual takings as social distancing continues to decimate profits.

While the pandemic has created space for innovative ways of operation such as Breaking Bread and the creativity of takeaway options, the four-week delay has dealt another blow to businesses. Venue

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owners and event organisers, who have been planning towards June 21 by buying stock and hiring staff are now, in many cases, unable to recoup these costs, and UK Hospitality estimate that 300,000 jobs are at risk, with new hires not eligible for furlough.

The NTE sector is crucial to our city’s economy; pre-pandemic the sector employed 34% of Bristol’s workers and the delay will impact major events scheduled for July such as Bristol Pride, Sequences, Balloon Fiesta and Valleyfest.

The impact of furlough and lockdowns has also resulted in large numbers of qualified workers making the decision to re-train and enter other areas of employment. The NTE now faces huge skills shortages when restrictions allow it to open.

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As a local authority and a city, we are working to improve skills and employment opportunities in Bristol through our One City Economic Recovery and Renewal Strategy.

We’re in conversations with partners about how we can deliver local training opportunities in the hospitality sector, and our NTE Advisor, Carly Heath, is linked to other cities facing similar problems, and has written to the Chancellor to highlight the need for further financial support from Government.

At the time of writing, the announcement of the delay did not come with any additional financial support or assurances for the sector, and the end on the ban on commercial rent evictions is still due to come into force at the end of June. Whilst businesses face debt, quarterly rent payments and further contributions to furlough costs in the coming weeks, they are still unable to generate revenue.

Our NTE contributes to making Bristol a popular, bustling city and is a key part of our cultural identity. Government need to recognise this and extend current business life support to ensure that this crucial sector of our economy can survive this delay and eventually open its doors to Bristol once more.

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11

KARIN SMYTH, MP for Bristol South

Trust system not working for all children

W

ith vaccines giving us a light at the end of the tunnel, our focus now is turning to the post-pandemic recovery.

This is particularly important for those schoolchildren who - despite the best efforts of teachers and school staff in difficult circumstances - have endured an incredibly disrupted year.

I was heartened by the Government’s apparent recognition of this when they appointed an Education Recovery Commissioner and asked him to come up with a plan to ensure school children could catch up on what they missed out on.

Unfortunately, as we have seen in the past week or so, Boris Johnson is not willing to put his money where his mouth is as far as our children are concerned. The Government ignored the Commissioner’s evidence based plan, awarding just a tenth of the necessary funding and then forcing his resignation because their behaviour, in his words, “betrays an undervaluation of the importance of education”.

Ensuring an adequate catch-up programme is vital, not least because we know that there were challenges in our education system even before Covid. I

recently met with Schools Minister Nick Gibb and the Regional Schools Commissioner to discuss how the Government are holding schools in south Bristol to account for the educational outcomes they deliver for our children.

I’m concerned that the evolution of the multi-academy trust system does not serve the families of south Bristol as well as it could. There are six secondary schools in Bristol South, covered by six multi-academy

trusts (MAT); in all, the nearly 40 statefunded schools in Bristol South are run by 12 different organisations. In some cases, vertical support through the MAT seems to be working well, but while headteachers are accountable upwards within the MAT, south Bristol families live in local communities.

Parents expect each child to be supported and educated well in their community through early years, primary, secondary, post-16 and higher education, but children are experiencing too many different organisations as part of that journey.

Crucially, there is no accountability across south Bristol for the outcome of that journey, which is the destination of those young people—their chance in life.

In my six years as MP for Bristol South, I have realised that the lack of ownership and accountability for destination, success and outcomes is a major problem that no number of well-meaning piecemeal initiatives will solve. The pandemic and the loss of learning must be the catalyst for taking this seriously.

We must use this opportunity to make things better for our children.

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

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July 2021

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13

News

Social housing 'missing' in affordable homes scheme

By Amanda Cameron, LDRS reporter for South Bristol Voice Dozens of new “affordable” homes are set to replace a former health centre and betting shop in South Bristol.

Councillors have unanimously approved plans for a V-shaped block of 36 affordable-rent flats at the corner of St John’s Lane and Wedmore Vale in Bedminster.

They welcomed the revised scheme from housing association United Communities on June 9, saying it would “blend in” and make good use of the derelict site, but expressed regret it would provide no social homes.

The St John’s Lane Health Centre has been empty since the Wedmore Practice moved to the Marksbury Road Surgery in 2018.

Likewise, the betting store closed down in 2019 and has been vacant ever since.

Both buildings will be demolished to make way for the apartment block, which has

two wings folding back from the entrance at the corner of the junction.

The apartments, which range from one- to six-bedroom, will be spread across four storeys.

Earlier plans, approved in May last year, did not include the former betting shop site and would have provided 29 affordable homes.

United has promised all 36 apartments in the expanded scheme will be affordable, the planning meeting heard. But only 11 – a policy-compliant 30 per cent – have been secured “in perpetuity” by Section 106 agreement.

Green councillor Tony Dyer said: “Normally if I see a development that has 100 per cent affordable housing, I’m slightly overjoyed.

However, it does seem as if we’re missing some social rent housing here.

“That is a shame.

Sometimes we do seem to be getting affordable housing which isn’t necessarily affordable for a large proportion of our population.”

Only six members of the public commented on the proposals, five of whom objected, an officer said. Their main concerns were related to the size of the development, its impact on local parking and traffic, and the amount of parking provided.

There will be room for 14 cars to park at the rear of the building, and 59 bicycle spaces will be provided, the meeting heard.

The car parking provision is an improvement on the eight spaces United would have

provided under the earlier scheme, a Bristol City Council officer said.

The housing association will provide £10,000 towards a car club and make a contribution towards a travel plan to reduce car use, he said.

The planning officer said the department was satisfied the building would not block neighbours’ sunlight or harm their privacy to an unacceptable degree.

Labour councillor Fabian Breckels said he was concerned the rear of the building would end up covered in graffiti, but the officer said materials could be used to deter vandalism.

Cllr Breckels said: “Expanding the scheme to clear a derelict site is an improvement and we get more parking and I rather like the modern design.

“Apart from my concerns about the facades at the back, I do rather like the design and it’ll blend in.”

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July 2021

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14

Your local councillors Ed Plowden Green councillor Windmill Hill

Gary Hopkins & Chris Davies Lib Dem councillors Knowle

Q

uite a lot of confusion at the council with a huge percentage of the councillors being brand new to the job and the council systems being in a state of flux.

It will be interesting to see how the new Green Party councillors react to being the joint largest group but having no power to decide anything. We're amazed that the Green Party leader complained in a speech about not having a cabinet place and how unfair it was. The Green Party in March voted to keep the mayor system and prevent a referendum but fortunately, plan B is going into action with people around the city gathering petition signatures that will trigger a formal vote - 18,000 signatures are needed.

There is a huge number of key meetings on important local

issues between the writing of this article and publication including Jubilee, the new school and Broadwalk development.

The centre is no longer in administration having been bought by a private investment company. They have re-engaged the designers who got the previous plans through outline planning permission but there are bound to be some proposed changes.

Broadwalk Shopping Centre

I

t was a surprise for many people that the much-loved swings in the Victoria Park play area near Fraser St were removed by the council without warning.

This play equipment was considered by the council as surplus because since it was installed over 40 years ago there have been two new play parks provided. So, when it was assessed as the end of its life, it was not due to be replaced.

Lisa and I heard the local concerns and took this up with officers and the Mayor. All agree that this was a mistake. We will be working hard with the council, VPAG and the local community to raise funds to replace them. Sadly, it may have to wait until next year. Meanwhile, we will be chasing progress of the new outdoor gym due this year.

More equipment is deteriorating - the seesaw in the Nutgrove Avenue play area has also been assessed as end-of-life.

This equipment is due to be replaced, but there will be a disappointing gap during the school holidays. This time at least we have had some warning and notices are going up.

During the pandemic we have realised the value of our open spaces and we are glad to see that the council has listened. As I write, we have just found that the pandemic restrictions will be extended for another month, so we must protect each other by getting vaccinated if you are eligible. The first dose improves resistance and the second dose gives stronger protection, particularly against new variants.

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July 2021

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Your local councillors

T

Tessa Fitzjohn Green councillor Bedminster

his month brings a major planning application from Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter, including Longmoor Village, 500 new homes in Ashton Vale. Bristol City Council will now run a statutory consultation on both schemes before the proposals go to the planning committee in the winter.

Judging by my emails, other concerns include traffic on Silbury Road, RPZ for Bedminster, the number 24 bus, and the result of your applications to the CIL funding in early July.

I now have a dedicated facebook page where I will be advertising surgeries and other information: facebook.com/ GreenBedminster I can also be reached on Bedminster@Bristolgreenparty. org.uk.

I look forward to hearing from you.

M

Mark Bradshaw Labour councillor Bedminster y update this month focuses on the following:

• Safety improvements close to Luckwell School were agreed with funding in 2019 but the works are delayed so I’ve again chased the council for a start date.

• I’m calling for the difficult yellow box junction on Winterstoke Rd near Luckwell Rd and S Liberty Lane to be repainted.

• I’m working with Way-OutWest to get community management of a green space on West St - we hope to have an agreement with the landowner in the next few weeks.

• I’m pressing the housing and highways teams to reach agreement on funding and prepare the legal and procurement tasks needed to fix the damage to Silbury Road.

Tony Dyer & Christine Townsend Green councillors Southville

T

ony had a positive meeting with Mayor Marvin Rees to discuss the priorities for Southville ward. We discussed the RPZ extension consultation, taking a neighbourhood approach to traffic issues, and School Streets. We also discussed how best to support regeneration projects like the East Street Vison.

Christine attended the stakeholders meeting for Western Harbour and confirmed that the consultation process is restarting from the beginning. Christine also made it clear the need for greater representation from our area. An immediate outcome is that the Riverside Garden Centre will be invited onto the stakeholders group.

Tony visited Bristol South Pool with council officers and the leisure operator to look at the significant building works that have been carried out whilst shut.

The council and operators are

working together to reopen the pool this summer, hopefully mid-July.

A licensing hearing has approved plans for a music festival in Greville Smyth park despite residents’ concerns over noise levels and parking. The licence is for one year rather than the three but we remain disappointed that, as councillors elected to represent Southville ward, we were not allowed to submit any statements nor ask any questions.

We met with supporters to discuss the needs of Dame Emily park. They are keen for more volunteers to get involved.

Contact dameemilypark@gmail. com for more details. The site is central to the heritage of Bedminster, being built over the Dean Lane coalmine - we want to highlight the industrial history of the park more fully. We have some ideas but let us know yours.

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July 2021

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News Dig deep and support our parade Flypasts to replace balloon fiesta Plans have been unveiled for the tenth Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade.

Organisers have confirmed that the popular spectacle will take place in January 2022.

It could not take place this year due to Covid-19.

Now the race is on to raise enough funds for the event, which attracts thousands of people from near and far to the streets of Bedminster every winter.

Around 2,000 local people take part in the parade, including school children, as handmade lanterns are carried through the heart of Bedminster to live music and dancing.

Nine local primary schools, together with several community groups, will begin working with head of creative delivery Alan May through the autumn to create their giant lanterns for the parade.

The organisers have launched a fundraising appeal and need to raise at least £15,000 for the

event to happen.

Local businesses of all sizes are also being encouraged to sponsor the parade.

The exact date for January 2022 will be confirmed later in the year.

Ade Williams, chair of the Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade steering group who also runs Bedminster Pharmacy said: "Our Lantern Parade is a wonderful event bringing people in the community together in a unique and colourful way.

"It's the culmination of many months of dedicated work by volunteers who organise it.

"But we can only make it happen through raising the funds now, so we can go ahead with the project in the autumn.

I urge everyone - businesses and individuals to dig deep and support us."

To donate or find out more about becoming an event sponsor go to the lantern parade website at www.lanternparade.org

Organisers behind the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta have announced that it will not be going ahead this year.

Instead, they are planning 'fiesta flypasts' for the public to enjoy from the safety of their homes and at a safe distance.

The decision is due to the "continued uncertainty" around large-scale events due to Covid-19.

Organisers say that going ahead with the event, with no limits on capacity in August, would be a "huge financial gamble of a seven-figure sum".

In a statement released on behalf of the fiesta, it read: "We understand this will be a disappointment to our visitors, as well as the various businesses and organisations across the city and region that benefit from the significant economic impact of the event taking place.

"It really is not a decision that we have taken lightly. We have considered a number of alternatives to deliver the fiesta using the various measures

n HOME IMPROVEMENT

Tom Jackson, Commercial Lead

What is the difference between a walk-in shower and a wet room?

WE are often asked what the difference is between the wet rooms that we install and a normal walk-in shower. It’s important to understand the difference, as well as the safety advantage of having level access.

The classic difference is that a walk-in shower has a tray that catches the water whereas a wet room doesn’t have any tray or lip to step over to get in. The tray itself has been sunk into the waterproofed floor below the shower, allowing you to just walk straight in.

Some people are concerned about having a wet room because it suggests that the shower itself isn’t enclosed. We’re much more used to seeing showers in their own corner of the room.

A lot of our customers ask whether the shower will be discreet, whether the water will splash everywhere, and if it’ll look stylish.

Your new bathroom being a wet “room” doesn’t mean that the shower won’t have its own defined space. The main showering area where the water is will often be separated by a screen. There are a variety of designs available so you can choose something that suits the style you are going for. The non-slip flooring included is designed in a clever way to let the water run away easily and not pool on the floor. It’s built around you and your needs.

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currently being trialled by public events, however, these significantly change the ethos and accessibility which is at the heart of the fiesta.

"Without any certainty that we will be able to stage the event with no limits on capacity in August, it means a huge financial gamble of a seven-figure sum.

"However, we are determined to continue to put a show on for the city and we will deliver a number of launches across the city and region during the first two weeks of August."

Further details of the fiesta flypasts will be announced over the coming weeks and readers can nominate places they would like to see balloons launch at: forms.office.com/r/nUp8QzfPVP

of tiles. Not only are panels the latest in modern bathing room fashion, but they also don’t get mouldy like grout. No bleach cleaners required!

The same goes for the non-slip flooring. If you find it tough keeping your tiled bathroom walls clean then panels are the way forward.

Panels or tiles can come in various styles from simple to luxury finishes. Non-slip safety flooring also comes in a huge range of colours to suit any taste. The days of accessible bathrooms looking clinical are long gone. You can make your wet room look like the bathroom from a boutique hotel!

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5 Hide Market, Waterloo Road, Bristol BS2 0BH 0300 323 0700 www.wecr.org.uk info@wecr.org.uk users a wet room is the easiest and safest bathing solution. No need for ramps or negotiating over lips to get in. Carers can also find them a lot easier to use. With movable screens of different sizes you can make the space or gain the access that’s needed.

Depending on what is required, a full wet room isn’t something that will take a long time to install. Modern shower and wet room systems can be fitted within days instead of weeks, depending on the size of the room and anything else that needs to be adapted or installed to support having a shower in the room.

We’re happy to answer any questions you have about what will be possible in your home.

Our friendly knowledgeable bathrooms team will be with you every step of the way. We even have a qualified Occupational Therapist on hand to give you a free full assessment first to figure out what would suit you best, as well as surveyors and only the best local contractors to install everything. With 30 years experience in home improvements, you can trust us to get it right.

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

July 2021

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News

Eagerly awaited bistro arrives in North Street

By Lindsey Cole A new restaurant has finally opened its doors in North Street and is a welcome success after lockdown.

Owners Holly and Josh Eggleton [pictured] are behind the Pony Bistro, which serves modern British bistro classics.

The eagerly awaited restaurant is the latest venture for the siblings who previously ran the Michelin starred The Pony and Trap in Chew Valley.

Holly and Josh closed up in Chew Valley last year, as it was no longer viable to stay open whilst social distance measures were in place.

Josh is one of the directors of Bristol Beer Factory, where a space in the back of their warehouse became available.

“So it was perfect timing.

Everything came into fruition,” he said.

The Pony Bistro serves beer and cider from the brewery and

bread from another neighbour long-established bakery Mark’s Bread. They use local ingredients where possible.

The new bistro hoped to open last October and then December, but finally opened its doors on May 19 when Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.

Josh added: “It’s been brilliant to finally open as we were so ready to welcome people in. Myself, Holly and the whole team were raring to go.”

All venues are enjoying having their customers visiting them again, but the Pony Bistro said opening after lockdown has been a great way to welcome people in for the first time.

The Pony Bistro is open Wednesday from 5:30-9pm, Thursday to Saturday 12-1:30 and 5:30-9pm; and Sunday 114pm for brunch. Pre-paid tickets can be booked, selling at prices from £42.

Off to a great start!

Children have an excellent launchpad for their learning when they join the nursery at Compass Point Primary School. We offer 15-hour and 30-hour term-time spaces for 3-4 year olds, as well as wraparound care from 8am-5pm.

The provision is led by a qualified teacher, supported by experienced and dedicated early years practitioners.

While the main school is housed in a historic building, the nursery is in a large purpose-built modern and accessible space.

Children have the opportunity to engage in an exciting experiential play-based curriculum; with dedicated cookery, gardening, woodworking and forest school provisions.

Compass Point is a warm, welcoming and inclusive community and offers a

range of formal and informal support for families from all backgrounds.

The school is closely involved with its neighbourhood, hosting the annual Bedminster Lantern Parade, taking part in Upfest, Window Wanderland and similar events and maintaining local-links with theatre, history and other community groups.

View our virtual tour of Compass Point Primary: https://bit.ly/2QFOv5m or tour our nursery classroom: https://bit.ly/3wdhegW For details of how to apply, visit the Admissions page of our website.

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Give your pre-school child the best possible start - Our Early Years provision is teacher-led - We offer 15-hour and 30-hour funded places - NEW! Wraparound care from 8am-5pm

Everyone’s welcome at our diverse community school.

Compass Point Primary School, South St, BS3 3AU 0117 377 2340 www.compasspoint.bristol.sch.uk

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Rich on 0777 555 0607 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Small class sizes foster

Love:

Love for learning, Love for oneself, Love for one another

To book a tour of our School contact admissions@cliionhigh.co.uk | 0117 933 9087 To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

July 2021

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19

News

New book chronicles domestic violence activism A spokesperson for the publisher said: "From the start of the women’s liberation “Gill Hague’s marvellous book maps a critical period of feminist movement until this bookvision, showcases the struggles in thetoday, UK, capturing their diversity, passion, creativity and energy. The message of this book is that history campaigning zeal on which policies, services matters. If we are to defend the gains that have been made and build on those gains in futureon struggles for women’s liberation and awareness-raising gendered violence in and wider social justice, we must know what came before us. A the UK and across the world were built, must-read.“ Southall Black Sisters includingPragna forPatel, Black and minority women."

Pragna Patel Black Sisters “She was in theof roomSouthall when it happened.

Gill Hague, feminist - a activist pioneer and scholar, details organisation the Women’s Liberation ground-breaking women’s Movements and the Violence Against Women Movements from then until established innow.”

1979 to meet the needs of Black Rebecca Emerson Dobash, University of Manchester (Asian and African-Caribbean) women - said: "Gill Hague’s marvellous book maps a critical Acclaimed activist and scholar Gill Hague recounts the inspiring story of domestic violence movement in the UK and beyond from the 1960s period ofthe feminist struggles in the UK, onwards in this captivating book. capturing their diversity, vision, passion, Memories, poems and interviews with activists, practitioners and abuse new light on a period immense by a creativitysurvivors andshedenergy…

If ofwe arechange, to shaped defend the generation of feminist pioneers. gains that have been made and build on them the women’s liberation movement until now, this book in futureFrom struggles for women’s liberation and showcases the campaigning zeal with which policies, services and awareness-raising on gendered UK and across the world wider social justice, we violence mustin theknow what came were built, including for Black and minority women. This fascinating before us.

Awillmust-read." history inform and inspire new ways forward within the domestic violence movement.

Gill is Professor Emerita of Violence Against Hague is Professor Emerita of Violence Against Women Studies at the Women Gill Studies at the University of Bristol and University of Bristol and has been an activist, practitioner and researcher on women nationally and internationally since the early 1970s. has beenviolence an against activist, practitioner and researcher on violence against women nationally and internationally since the early 1970s. She was a founder of the Centre for Gender and Violence Research, School for Policy Studies at University of 9Bristol and has 781447 356332 over 130 publications on violence against women including eight books.

History and Memories of the Domestic Violence Movement Gill Hague

A new book by renowned south Bristol activist and scholar Gill Hague follows the inspiring story of the domestic violence movement in the UK and internationally from the 1960s to today.

Gill Hague, from Knowle, has been a campaigner for women's rights for 50 years and has been involved in international projects across the world, from India and Uganda to Iraqi Kurdistan. For her life’s work on gender violence, she has received both an Emma Humphreys Memorial Prize and a CBE (which she accepted, but with extreme trepidation about the 'outdated' names).

Her new book pulls back the curtain on the important part that many female activists, including herself, played in establishing the movement. Memories, poems and interviews with activists, practitioners and abuse survivors shed new light on a period of immense change, shaped by this generation of feminist pioneers.

Gill said: “Since the late 1960s, this has been a brave and powerful women’s history of struggle and change which is in danger of being forgotten. I hope that recording and assessing it will help to encourage younger women and today’s practitioners and activists to continue the world-wide struggle against domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women.”

HISTORY AND MEMORIES OF THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MOVEMENT We’ve Come Further Than You Think

ISBN 978-1-4473-5633-2

@policypress @policypress PolicyPress policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk

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HAGUE_HMDVM_pbk.indd 1

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26/03/2021 12:46:52

July 2021

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Local History

Leisure time: My fond memories of playing cricket We continue our serialisation of Memories of a Bristol Boyhood by Knowle resident John Fletcher. This month, John shares his happy memories of playing sport as a teenager - in particular cricket for Knowle Cricket Club, where his unique bowling style earned him a place in the 'A' team

B

etween the age of 14 and 18 my second home was the Knowle Cricket Club, which fortuitously was within about 200 yards of my home.

As I have previously stated, through school I was lucky enough to receive an award of two years’ free membership, without which I could not have joined. Knowle CC had a flourishing junior section which played evening fixtures on the main ground, and on non-match weekdays, practice in the nets or on the outfield was well supported. It was at this time that I met Rodney Down whose interest in sport matched mine, and besides cricket we played hockey and golf together and remained firm friends until his death aged 81.

Besides the junior team, the club ran six Saturday sides (no games were played on Sundays in those days). The 1st and 2nd XIs alternated using the main ground at Broad Walk, Knowle, while the other four teams (As, Bs, Extras and Nomads) used the newlyacquired ground situated about three-quarters of a mile south of Whitchurch village.

I was now ready to start my playing career with Knowle, kitted out with a second-hand pair of flannel trousers and a pair of cricket boots with a damaged toe cap. My mother had knitted me a pair of white socks and a very smart sweater in cable stitch with dark blue neck, collar and waistband. My only new piece of clothing was an Aertex sports shirt. Young players usually started their careers playing in the 5th XI (the Extras); or the 6th XI (Nomads). The Nomads was populated by older players who had played at a higher level but wanted to enjoy their cricket in a more relaxed, social manner.

I started my time in the 3rd XI (‘A’s) which did not reflect my

ability as I was over-promoted.

The main reason for my inclusion at that level was that I bowled slow left-arm legbreaks and every team seemed to think they should have this type of bowler.

At that time Knowle did not have anyone of this type in the club.

Even county and national sides favoured this style.

In the late 1940s petrol rationing was strictly enforced, available to only essential users.

Luckily one of the ‘A’ team was in this category so for our home matches, he, with the captain and vice-captain and the tea lady with her provisions would pile into a little Morris 8 and travel to the ground in style. The rest of the team met at the main ground to pick up the equipment which consisted of a very large, heavy leather bag containing at least 6 bats, 6 pairs of pads, wicketkeeping equipment, wickets, balls etc. We then took it in turns, two at a time, to carry this to the Wells Road bus stop and on to the no. 3 bus to the terminal at The Black Lion in Whitchurch village. Then began the haul, a long three quarters of a mile to

the ground. On a hot summer’s day it was an exhausting journey, all for the love of the game. I really enjoyed my two seasons in the ‘A’ side under the captaincy of Cec Webb, whose watchful eye and encouragement helped me to develop quickly. I can recall many games played in those years but one stands out for me because I returned my best figures of that period.

This game was played on the picturesque village ground at Chew Magna. There had been heavy rain overnight and the bright sunshine of the early afternoon had produced a “sticky wicket” that encouraged spin but at a slow pace. The Chew Magna side contained a number of very big, strong agricultural types who probably thought they would knock my very slow deliveries out of the ground, but fortunately for me, their hefty swings arrived too quickly, for the ball had spun and come off the pitch very slowly.

In the end I finished with seven wickets for fourteen runs.

In the summer of 1948, aged 16, I played most of the season for the 2nd XI learning my

“trade” under the captaincy of Joe King, a very senior member of the club. The following year I spent most of the season in the 2nd XI with a few try out matches for the first team. It was a great experience playing on the main ground at Broad Walk, for not only was it a couple of hundred yards from my home, but on fine Saturdays in the summer a first eleven game would attract a sizeable crowd.

In 1949 there was an entrance charge for non-members there were very few alternative attractions in those times of austerity. In 1950 and over the next few years I was selected for quite a number of first team matches.

At the AGM in November 1950 I was awarded the “Fred Adey” bat for the “junior member who showed the best cricketing ability and club spirit”. I was speaking to the then current chairman of K.C.C. (Alan Rice) in 2012 at the 150th anniversary of

Knowle Cricket Club Pavilion. Replaced by a modern pavilion in the 1980s

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July 2021

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Local History

A newspaper clipping of John being presented with the Fred Adey bat - it is now displayed at in the KCC pavilion memorabilia case its formation and he mentioned a photo of the presentation of the bat. When I told him I still had the bat he asked me whether I would donate it to the club as he had collected a number of items of memorabilia to form a club museum. Of course I agreed.

The following year I was in receipt of another presentation, “the Norman Hardy (1893-1924) Award”. This consisted of an imposing copper-plate written scroll which extolled the almost perfect life of Norman Hardy who excelled in behaviour and ability all through his schooling, his military valour in the 1914-18 war, his business acumen and his sporting prowess. Of the latter there is no doubt of his abilities as he played cricket for Somerset and was a first class amateur footballer. He died on the football pitch at the age of 31. He is still honoured in this 21st century - the major Gloucestershire amateur cup competition is known as the Norman Hardy Cup. A copy of the scroll was for many years displayed above the door of the tea/scorers pavilion.

The mention of the tea pavilion brings back very happy memories of the spreads produced by the ladies of Knowle.

Cricket fixtures were often rated

by the standard of teas provided and Knowle in that era must have rated amongst the very best.

1952 was a special year in the history of Knowle CC as it was the centenary of the club’s founding. In June 1952 a week was set aside to celebrate and four special fixtures were arranged. One was against Clifton College Masters and Boys, another was against one of the main Cambridge University colleges and a third was with a Somerset County Club and Ground XI. The main attraction of the week however was a match against the School Masters CC who were also celebrating their centenary year. At the time I was serving in the RAF at Gloucester as part of my National Service, but was able to take a week’s leave and played in several of the matches. I was fortunate to be selected for the main festival game which attracted quite a large crowd. The game finished in a draw which seemed to satisfy everyone.

The 1950s Knowle CC was a very go ahead club and about that time they were the first club in the area to introduce a six a side tournament. The Knowle 6s was played for a great number of years in the first two

weeks of June. This high scoring tournament attracted very large crowds. Other annual fixtures played on Wednesday evenings in August that attracted many people were the games played against Bristol City and Rovers football clubs and Bristol Rugby Club. In those days these clubs contained about 90% local lads and the seasons were more defined with the winter sport matches not commencing until the first week in September. So these cricket matches formed part of the pre season get together prior to their formal training.

Knowle CC not only provided my requirement for cricket but in the winter months ran two teams in the Bristol and District Table Tennis Association. League table tennis was another of my favourite sports and the two Knowle teams occupied places in the first and fifth of the fifteen associated leagues. I played for two winters in the fifth division which was of a good standard for a 15/16 year old. Unfortunately

Knowle CC withdrew their teams from the league and I transferred my membership to Totterdown YMCA, which was a bigger set up and ran four sides. I played in the third division side for two seasons before promotion to their first division; this was the top division in those days before table tennis followed football and other sports who introduced a Premier Division. I think I have written enough about my teenage sports although I retain many happy memories.

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

Please email to news@ southbristolvoice.co.uk or post to South Bristol Voice, 111 Broadfield Rd Knowle Bristol B42UX. All items will be safely returned

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Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Rich on 0777 555 0607 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

July 2021

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22

News

Streets near primary 'car-free' during school run Plans for car-free pick up and drop off streets during the school run are being rolled out at Victoria Park Primary School.

The scheme Bristol School Streets was first introduced last year at Wansdyke Primary School and St Peter’s CofE Primary School, is now expanding to Victoria Park Primary as well as Redfield Educate Together Primary Academy.

It involves opening up roads to pedestrians and cyclists by closing them to motor traffic at the start and end of the school day, encouraging more active commutes by making it easier to

walk, cycle and scoot to the school gates. The new restrictions, which are being implemented temporarily initially to pilot the scheme, are now in place.

Adam Crowther, Head of City Transport at Bristol City Council, said: “We are pleased to continue expanding Bristol School Streets with the two new schools in the pilot project, which is creating a safer and healthier environment for children outside of school gates.

"With public transport capacity still limited, it has never been more important for us to do

'Let's get rid of these unsightly billboards' Residents near North Street Green are calling for two huge billboards to be removed. They want to get rid of the corporate adverts and create a new improved vision for this green space, with the local community at its heart.

Campaigners, who have launched a petition, say the two billboards flanking the corner of the green spoil the area, calling them ‘eyesores’, ‘far too big’ and ‘visual smog’.

Local group Adblock BS3 is inviting people to sign a petition calling on Western Power Distribution - which owns the substation behind the billboards - to end its contract with the advertising company Global, take down the billboards and work with the community to transform the space.

Nicola Round from Adblock BS3 said: "Before lockdown we spoke to dozens of people who live and work near the green, and found that people overwhelmingly feel that their neighbourhood would be better without

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all we can to encourage people to walk, cycle or scoot for short journeys wherever possible. We hope that these new additions to the project will continue to deliver benefits to local people as we also look to roll it out to other schools in the city.”

Motor traffic will be unable to access Raymend Road and Atlas Road near Victoria Park Primary, 8:15-9:15am and 3-4pm. This will be in force Monday to Friday, during term time only.

Only emergency vehicles will be permitted to enter the roads during these times, but other motor vehicles will be permitted

to leave so residents can leave their homes if they need to.

The schools were shortlisted for inclusion in the scheme because of their levels of participation in other walking, cycling and road safety initiatives, such as the Living Streets’ Walk to School challenge which took place in June. The council will continue to work with all schools involved to monitor the scheme over the coming months.

For more information on the pilot scheme, please visit travelwest.info/projects/ bristol-school-streets.

the billboards. These huge big-brand adverts not only spoil the green, they undermine support for the local economy."

The Bedminster Business Improvement District (BID) represents over 350 businesses.

A spokesperson said: "We believe corporate outdoor advertising can undermine our local economy by preferencing large corporations over local businesses.

There are dozens of billboards in the Bedminster area and we wish to see these numbers reduced."

Chris Cierpik, of Rare Butchers of Southville, said: "What makes North Street so special is the great independent businesses and we can do without the eyesore of billboards defacing our street."

Resident Kate Swatridge said: "I live opposite North Street Green with my family. We love it here, but these big billboards are so out of place. We can’t help but look at the adverts every day and they are very intrusive."

Households close by will receive an activity pack this month which invites them to share their ideas for improving North Street Green, without the billboards. The pack was designed by Bedminster-based OSH. Visit www.adfreecities.org.uk/north-street-green/ to sign the petition and get your activity pack.

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July 2021

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News

Sporting quarter plans finally submitted Continued, page 1 An application to develop a 'sporting quarter' at Ashton Gate Stadium has now been submitted to Bristol City Council.

The proposals for the new development - which would include a 4,000-seater sports and convention centre [pictured, right] - were originally unveiled

by Ashton Gate in September 2018.

But following public feedback, some of the plans have been modified, such as the tallest building has now been reduced by five storeys.

The arena will accommodate the Bristol Flyers basketball team and will be the centrepiece of the sporting quarter development.

The sporting quarter plans also include a multi-storey car park, hotel, gym, residential buildings, office space and an improved 'fan village'.

Linked to the sporting quarter is a 510-home housing development called Longmoor Village which would sit between Silbury Road, David Lloyd Leisure Centre, the Cala trading estate, the Long Ashton Park and Ride and the metrobus link.

The outline planning application for the site has been submitted to both Bristol City and North Somerset councils.

Ashton Gate chairman, Martin Griffiths, says that "it has been a long road to get to this point" and has thanked the public for the feedback and comments provided.

He said: “Based on the feedback received we have made

significant improvements to the Sporting Quarter scheme.

"The tallest building has now been reduced by five storeys; community facilities have been increased with sports, fitness and well-being facilities added on the roof of the Sports and Convention Centre, plus the northern entrance (near Ashton Road) has been totally pedestrianised for nonmatchdays.

“The linked proposals of the Sporting Quarter and Longmoor developments offer significant regeneration benefits.

The highway and transport improvements, the delivery of much needed jobs, the critical need for additional housing and the economic growth that will come from building a worldclass sporting and entertainment quarter here in South Bristol.”

He added: “I would like to stress that the southern field next to the [Longmoor Village] site will remain green and will not be built on. We will be working with councillors, residents and local wildlife organisations to enhance this space for the benefit of the wildlife and the community.

“It means that the Longmoor development will capture a biodiversity net gain with increased protection for habitats and fauna as well as improved connections for pedestrians and cyclists.”

It is anticipated that a decision over the Sporting Quarter plans will be made before the end of the year, when the application goes to the council's planning committee.

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News

Book provides 'comfort and comradery' to mums A unique collection of poems on the realities of motherhood has been published and features mums from the local area.

Songs of Love and Strength was compiled during the pandemic and has been published by The Mum Poem Press. Its associate editor, Emily Way-Evans, is from Knowle.

The anthology, which includes poetry by five mums from Knowle, Totterdown and Bedminster, was published during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week with profits going towards the PANDAS Foundation.

It features first-time writers alongside established poets, all mothers writing about their personal experiences of motherhood.

The collection features poems about the pain of infertility and miscarriage, the realities of giving birth, the shock of the fourth trimester, loss of

identity, boredom, the smell of babies’ heads, tiny fingers, sleep deprivation, right through to children leaving home and becoming a grandparent.

Besides raising money for the PANDAS Foundation, the release of Songs of Love and Strength aims to raise awareness of the many different, and often overlooked, facets and complexities of motherhood, and to provide comfort and comradery to other mums.

Founder of The Mum Poem Press, Katharine Perry, said: “Collecting these poems during a years’ worth of lockdown has been a passion project for the whole community of women involved.

“There are poems in this anthology on subjects we don’t see often enough in poetry but which speak of some of the most profound human experiences; pregnancy, birth, new life and loss. The poets in this collection explore the extraordinary experience of motherhood from all angles with grace, humour and beauty.”

Associate editor, Emily Way-

'We want our swings back' A petition calling for a set of swings in Victoria Park to be reinstalled has now reached 226 signatures.

The swings – which were unexpectedly removed by the council – were located in what locals call the “bottom park”, which is adjacent to St Mary Redcliffe Junior School and just off Fraser Street.

The petition states: “This petition is calling for the swings to be reinstated in the bottom park after they have been removed with no warning and in their entirety.

These swings are used by lots of children, including those leaving the school at 3pm and we want them back!”

According to a council spokesperson, the swings – which had been in use for 20 years – were deteriorating and had to be removed for safety reasons.

A Bristol City Council

BS3 Helping Others

spokesperson said: “We understand that there will be disappointment at the loss of these swings.

“However, our regular monitoring revealed that their condition was finally deteriorating which required their removal for safety reasons.

“There remain two fullyfunctioning play areas in Victoria Park, including a main play area with swings adjacent to Nutgrove Avenue.

“We are also working closely with the park action group over the design of a new wheels park at this site.’’

In his column for South Bristol Voice this month, Ed Plowden, Windmill Hill councillor, says that funds will have to be raised to replace the swings (see councillor column, page 14).

How you can help others in need

terms of personal interests, time, skills and BS3 Helping Others is getting back experience into action. and to hear from voluntary groups This Bedminster-based group that need helpers. helps people to link up with These meetings will be held organisations that need help. weekly in the Tobacco Factory cafe/ Its recently updated directory bar on Mondays 6.30-8pm and has over 70 organisations looking Tuesday, 10.30am-12pm, starting for people who want to help out from Monday, June 28. at food banks, supporting people If you want to know more just out of hospital, helping in a about how you can help your youth club, befriending the local local community, contact us at libraries or supporting parks and bs3helpingothers@gmail.com and much more.

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Evans, said: “Following the extra workload that women have had to take on this past year, there is a real sense of needing to voice our feelings and experiences, to vent, and to be understood. This anthology provides an honest window into motherhood.”

Annie Belasco, head of charity at PANDAS, said: “We were delighted when Katharine and her team approached PANDAS about the anthology book project!

“What a wonderful way to express emotions through poetry.

This is a lovely collaboration and we are really excited to see the support that this will give to parents who can use the book as a source of comfort.”

For more information about The Mum Poem Press and to purchase Songs of Love and Strength, visit: themumpoempress.com/

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July 2021

southbristolvoice

Action Greater Bedminster Thanks to all our local councillors New councillors

Working with our four local councillors has become a key part of our community organisation.

Together, we’ve forged excellent working relationships that have benefited the local community and allowed our priorities to be achieved.

A huge thank you to Charlie Bolton, Celia Phipps and Stephen Clarke for their support over the years. Charlie and Stephen stood down as Southville Councillors but the community voted Green again and we now have Tony Dyer and Christine Townsend joining us.

In Bedminster, Mark Bradshaw remains as a Labour Councillor and will be joined by Tessa Fitzjohn, a Windmill Hill resident, as our new Green Councillor.

We've already begun meeting with our new councillors and look forward to future conversations about the priorities for our neighbourhood.

Join our Steering Group

As well as our new councillors, we’re looking for three more local individuals to join our Steering Group. Made up of a diverse mix of local residents with a variety of interests, employment history and backgrounds, joining our Steering Group is a great way to contribute locally and have your say within our community. We’re keen to represent neighbourhoods, cultures and the people from across the BS3 area.

We’d love to welcome two Steering Group members and a Treasurer to our friendly team.

If you’d like to join us, would like to find out more or have any questions about the roles, please get in touch: hello@ actiongreaterbedminster.org.uk Have any concerns to raise, news to share or keen to get involved? Get in touch at hello@actiongreaterbedminster.org. uk or visit actiongreaterbedminster. org.uk

'Back-to-work' programme for mums A new programme to help mums on Universal Credit get back into work is launching in September.

The Bristol based Women’s Work Lab, co-Founded by Camilla Rigby and Rachel Mostyn in 2019, breaks down barriers to work including lone parenting, surviving domestic abuse and children with SEN. The 12-week programme combines face-to-face expert training that fits around the school run with a work placement at a professional organisation.

Applications are open for their September 2021 programme (starting September 20). After the initial training mums then go on to voluntary work placements at businesses across Bristol. Visit www. womensworklab.co.uk to apply for the September 2021 programme or find out more about hosting work placements.

Camilla said: “Time and again a lack of confidence and recent work experience are what holds many of the mums we work with

back. There is so much untapped talent amongst mums and we want to support as many women as possible to build a career that improves theirs and their family’s future and helps reduce social inequality.”

Case Study

“I have secured my first job in 11 years”

Single mum Samanatha Cuffy, 44, from Bristol, graduated from the Women’s Work Lab in 2020 and went on to land a job as an administration officer for a local MP. She has since secured her second job since graduating as the Women’s Work Lab's new team administrator.

The mum of two boys used to work as a drugs and alcohol support worker, along with other admin roles in the charitable sector before taking an extended break to raise her children. ““The Women’s Work Lab gave me the drive I needed to move forward. They helped me to identify my strengths and believe in my abilities."

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July 2021

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26

The Wicked Witch of Knowle

In witch I'm not a mermaid

’m back in the pool and it feels good. The Jubilee is open and busy. I booked my space in the lane for medium swimmers and turned up for my first Covid-friendly swim. It’s well organised. Throw your stuff in a box, carry it poolside, strip and jump into your designated lane. Swim, swim, swim. Collect your box (trying not to drip into it) and exit as usual but without a shower. This is the only downside and I wish I was brave enough to flick a towel over my shoulder and flip flop home.

But I’m a witch. I dry, dress, get home, strip, shower, dry and dress (it’s a palaver).

The next day I found the medium lane booked up, so I braved a fast lane slot and persuaded Mrs Fit to join me.

She said her costume had been on the washing line for about a year and was crispy but she still looked good. There was a speedy woman in my lane. Mrs Speedy stopped and said I could pass her

if she was THE WICKED too slow.

I laughed, WITCH OF saying that KNOWLE would not be necessary whilst indicating a doggy paddle movement.

She frowned, giving me a quick up and down (women are brilliant at this, a barely discernible, judgemental eyeball flick). With a slight scowl she performed a perfect turn and disappeared under the water.

I followed in her wake doing a nice brisk breaststroke. She lapped me. I watched her pass, she was motoring but only using her arms, her legs floated behind, limp. I quickened my pace and aimed to catchup. She lapped me for the second time. I would not let her pass me for a third time so I considered getting out

but thankfully she called it a day and effortlessly, with those super strong arms, she flipped out of the pool, gathered her stuff and strutted off.

The fast lane was now empty.

Bliss.

Mrs Fit joined me and we floated about for a while enjoying the sheer pleasure of it.

Then Mrs Fit cried: “Come on Witchy, lets do some mermaid flips.” She raced up to the deep end and I chased after. She hung onto the side, pushed backwards, and arched into a full underwater backflip, popping up next to me with a big grin on her face: “It’s totally invigorating and a brilliant stretch, go on, you do it”.

I’m not athletic, but I had a go. I pushed away from the side, threw my head back, water rushed up my nose, I spluttered, panicked, kicked Mrs Fit in the

guts and had a coughing fit. My fellow swimmers stopped and stared, horrified.

We got out, avoiding the accusing ‘she’s got Covid’ stares.

Waving farewell to Mrs Fit, I realised I’d forgotten my sunglasses. Cursing, I sneaked back into the changing room.

My box had not been collected but it was empty. How strange. I scratched my head and there they were, perched on top of my wet and wild hair.

The world is getting back to some normality and so am I.

"I spluttered, panicked, kicked Mrs Fit in the guts and had a coughing fit.

My fellow swimmers stopped and stared, horrified."

Southville Primary School Do you want your child to be nurtured and educated in a creative, caring and engaging environment where children have enriching experiences that give them the best start in life?

At Southville, our main aim is to give our children the very best that we can every day that they step through our gates.

We are a close-knit community of children, parents, staff and governors with a real sense of local pride.

We welcome applications for in-year admissions in most year groups.

That said, we are very close to Bristol city centre and get involved in as many opportunities as we can through local theatres, galleries and museums. Our greatest asset is our children, who sit at the heart of everything that we do and meeting their needs is our sole focus. We are immensely proud of our school and everyone that contributes towards it.

Please sign up for one of our tours so that you can see what your child’s unique journey through Southville will look like by contacting us.

Southville Primary School Phone: 0117 377 2671/ 353 4444 Web: https://www.southville.bristol.sch.uk/ Email: southvillep@bristol-schools.uk

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

July 2021

southbristolvoice

ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST

27

with Ade Williams

Let's celebrate parade efforts of every child

I

f ever a statement was true, this one is: Our awakened desire to see positive changes in our society will start getting drowned out as life with all its demands robs us of the chance to pursue those changes.

Around 18 months ago, what we thought was a health emergency, has now revealed the urgency to deal with our social and ecological problems. Who remembers saying: ‘‘When this is over, I will not go back to the old ways. ’’ Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade has launched a fundraising appeal to raise the £15,000 needed to deliver the 10th-anniversary extravaganza, South Bristol’s biggest Winter event.

As chair of the organising steering group, I know a lot about the dedication and work of delivering this event.

All the volunteers, artists, teachers, and sponsors who support children across our community express themselves, showcase, and celebrate their work together.

What have Bemmy Lanterns got to do with health and wellbeing?

One of the core values of the parade is that it is pro-actively inclusive.

Children from the nine schools involved

Ade Williams of Bedminster Pharmacy discusses how pharmacies can help people with a variety of health conditions, and ease pressure on the NHS represent the ever-increasing rich diversity of our South Bristol communities. Yet, we are too aware that sometimes you can still feel that you do not belong.

One of our ambitions is to tackle why some children who are part of creating the lanterns in school do not take part in the parade.

We feel this is very important.

Working with friends and peers to create something so exciting must be matched with the joy and thrill of showcasing it.

Suppose many more young people can see how much the community loves and

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appreciates them? The potential fruits of such life experiences can be transformational.

If you are still wondering about the link art and creativity are positive health and wellbeing influencers.

Collective effort and volunteering increase self-worth while walking the length of the parade will reduce your blood pressure, burn calories and increase your heart rate dancing likewise.

The Bedminster Lantern Parade is a transformational event.

Your much needed financial support enriches all our community and sows seeds to produce a healthier, inclusive, equitable society.

Building that better future is the collective effort linking us all together.

Join in: www.lanternparade.org/

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28

Letters to the Editor

Email letters to news@southbristolvoice.co.uk or post to 111 Broadfield Rd, Knowle, BS4 2UX. Please keep letters brief, no more than 250 words - we reserve the right to edit letters

Help us preserve popular estate Have you enjoyed your local green spaces during this difficult past year? Do you love Ashton Court Estate? Would you like to help preserve nature and visitor experience at the Estate? Green spaces have been a saviour during the pandemic, with record visitors and many people agreeing that it has helped with their mental health. But help is needed to preserve these green spaces, especially as funding to maintain and preserve them for all that use it (including nature) is at a record low.

The Friends of Ashton Court Estate (FACE) Group were established in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, and had its constitution agreed in August 2020. The aims of the group are to: a) Monitor, conserve and improve biodiversity. b) Encourage the use and good management of the estate.

c) Improve the visitor experience, safeguarding the interests of all user groups as well as the integrity of the estate’s landscape and wild flora and fauna. d) Preserve the estate’s Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status and historic context.

Now that the rules of the pandemic are being relaxed, we are planning to progress these aims further during 2021 and beyond.

We are looking for new members, and potentially new management committee members, to help with this. If you would like to get involved, please contact Becky Smith (FACE Secretary) on: beckyannesmith1979@gmail. com.

Becky Smith, FACE

Pool offers a vital service Jubilee Pool’s potential closure has received a lot of coverage over the last 12 months but there

seems to be less focus on the fact that Bristol South Pool has been closed for 18 months and does not yet have a date for reopening, despite originally stating that it would close for one.

The communications about its reopening have been made via an obscure post on the site’s Facebook page, meanwhile local residents of Bedminster have been left without a vital service and have to travel by bus or car at great expense to Hengrove Leisure Centre in order to swim, which is for some - myself included - the only form of exercise available.

I think this has done a huge disservice to the local community at a time when physical and mental health and fitness is more important than ever and Bedminster deserves better!

Lizzi

No through buses isn't ideal I have just read your article about the new idea for East

Street.

As an 86-year-old and somewhat frail person I do not like the idea of no through buses.

I would have to walk from Dalby Avenue to use the Post Office, charity shops, Wilko etc at the top then walk all the way back down again. I have not been down because of Covid but I have used taxis. Will they be allowed?

The vegetation seems wonderful but the plants they already have are neglected and full of weeds, take-away containers and cigarette butts.

The seats at the moment are mostly used as beds by the homeless.

The odd graffiti is rubbish - just keep the decent murals and paint over the rest.

Make cyclists and scooter riders dismount as they go through. We need more good shops and not too many cafés.

I know us oldies are in the minority but it's nice to have a grumble.

Lilian Mason, Bedminster

News

East Street features in Where's it to? campaign South Bristol residents are being invited to get to know their local shops and the traders who run them as part of a city-wide campaign.

Where's it to? - wheresittobristol. com - showcases the stories of the city's many high street traders, told via short films and through the campaign's social media channels.

East Street was one of the first streets to be filmed and follows Bedminster Pharmacy's Ade Williams as he visits East Street Fruit Market, VX, The Revival Market, The Bristol Loaf and Brightbow Workspace.

He also uncovers some hidden historical gems that can be discovered from the main retail street.

Fifteen high streets across the city will be profiled throughout the project.

Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees explained: “This campaign

Ade Williams of Bedminster Pharmacy. Right, East Street Fruit Market. Images by Paul Box

celebrates the unique character of each Bristol high street, while recognising the contribution to the city as a whole. After a challenging year, we want to promote our shopkeepers, restaurateurs and businesses, as they have been critical to morale during the pandemic."

Sarah Morrison, project lead explained: “Where’s it to? was selected as the name of the

campaign to reflect our city’s language and in collaboration with a huge range of traders. It’s our unique way of demonstrating where something is to a visitor, and perfectly reflects this guide to hidden gems on our high streets.”

Where’s it to? was created by Bristol City Council and delivered through the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund.

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July 2021

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29

News

A new performance space in south Bristol?

by Charley Rogers A group consisting of production companies BLOC Productions, Bristol Musical Theatre, Bristol Amateur Operatic Society (BAOS), Bristol Musical Comedy, and St Mary’s Players, together with others, has come together with a shared vision of a new space for non-professional and professional performance arts, possibly in south Bristol.

“There are plenty of arts venues in Bristol,” says Andrew Carpenter, chair of the group proposing the new development, “but not of the type we really need as non-professional performance groups.”

Although venues like the Hippodrome are great spaces, says Andrew, they are often too big for most non-professional productions.

“Somewhere like the Hippodrome has around 2,000 seats,” he explains, “whereas we’re looking for something with 400-500.”

The group envisions the space having “priority for non-professional groups”, but in

time also attracting professional groups who may otherwise have found Bristol’s venues too large.

It would fill the gap between professional venues and small school theatres, and provide facilities for rehearsals, workshops, as well as storage for scenery and props.

The new performance space would likely be located in South Bristol, and take around four or five years to complete. The group is also keen for the venue – whatever form it finally takes – to be as eco-friendly as possible. Andrew works in the construction industry, and as

such would like the space to work to Passivhaus criteria.

“Passivhaus is a voluntary standard of energy efficiency in a building,” Andrew explains.

“Buildings that adhere to Passivhaus criteria require very little energy to operate, and because Bristol is at the forefront of the Green agenda, we thought it would be good.”

Andrew is also keen to point out the new venue would not be competing with existing performing arts spaces in the city, but complementing them.

“We’re here to collaborate, and the space isn’t intended to

compete with any existing community facility, but be something for the whole city and surrounding area,” he said.

The project is still in its very early stages, and Andrew and the rest of the group are open to building a new space, or refurbishing an existing one.

“We’ve had a generally positive response to the idea,” he explains, “and South Bristol is a great place for the venue, as there is going to be a development of at around 2,000 homes in the area.”

Business plans and funding ideas are in development.

a f fo r da b le

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