The Mead BS10 Issue 62 April 2019

EGGCITING PLANS AT THE RANCH! FROM SOUTHMEAD DEVELOPMENT TRUST

It’s all go at the Southmead Adventure Playground for the coming Easter Holidays. Southmead kids are in for a real treat with activities on offer which range from martial arts and gymnastics, to wild birds, bugs and inflatables. It’s going to be an all round ‘eggcellent’ time and everyone is welcome .

Southmead Development Trust took on running The Ranch in January and our aim is to keep it open by raising funds to ensure a programme of activities continues for Southmead’s children.

Children’s charity Bristol Playbus currently provide the activities at

The Ranch, their Manager Katie Hanchard-Goodwin said: “We offer three free sessions a week open to all local children up to the age of 12 (children under 8 need an adult with them). Since we started last April we have seen The Ranch go from strength to strength. The local community have been really supportive.

“Over the holidays we will be running our popular 'holiday hunger' programme to ensure that all children and families attending get a free, hot, nutritious meal every day. So please come along and join in the fun.”

Full Easter programme on page 2

MORE NOISE! FROM BRISTOL NOISE This year hundreds of Bristol people will be using their May bank holiday weekend (4th– 6th May) to bring hope to our city.

The Noise is an enormous volunteering event run every year by Bristol churches since 2001. For a few days, come rain or shine, local people roll up their sleeves, put on a brightly coloured T-shirt and get stuck in. continued on page 7 . . .

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OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS FONTHILL’S FIREFIGHTERS! FROM FONTHILL PRIMARY ACADEMY Rob from Swindon and Wiltshire fire service (below on right) came to teach Reception all about how to stay safe in a fire. He showed them his fireproof uniform and equipment and the children got to try some on themselves.

Reception class really enjoyed trying on this uniform, learning all about how to stay safe in a fire and how to prevent one in the first place. A huge thank you to Rob for the time and effort he put into his visit.

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OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS DINOSAUR EATS HAT! FROM BADOCK’S WOOD E-ACT ACADEMY AMBASSADORS

By Joseph, Naomi, Poppy, Ruby, KatieHope, Tommy and Savannah in Year 2 A Ranger was almost eaten by a raptor at Badock’s Wood E-ACT Academy, but thanks to the bravery of some pupils only his hat was eaten!

Children in years 1 and 2 had a visit from two Rangers who brought with them lots of dinosaur fossils, some baby dinosaurs (we saw one hatch out of its egg!), and a life size Utahraptor.

We impressed them with the facts that we already knew about dinosaurs and they taught us lots more. These are some of our favourite facts: * T-Rex was the King of the dinosaurs and it used its tail to keep balanced. *When Stegosaurus gets angry the spikes on its back changed colour.

FONTHILL 101!

FROM FONTHILL PRIMARY ACADEMY March saw the launch of the Fonthill 101! Every child at Fonthill Primary Academy has received a booklet with 101 experiences that they will have while at Fonthill. They have been grouped under seven categories: Connect and communicate; Bristol and my local community: Create, Active adventurer; Learning and my family; Skills for life; and Global citizenship.

Each experience is designed to give every child wide and varied experiences to help them develop as citizens and learners. The experiences reflect the amazing opportunities in Southmead and Bristol. Children, parents, governors and staff all contributed to the final list.

Experiences include: Visit St Stephen’s Church; Sing in the local community; Study a map of Southmead; Enter a writing competition; Do PE at a secondary school; Grow and eat some

* Fossils were found on the Isle of Wight. * Some dinosaurs evolved into birds.

The Utahraptor was walking around the school hall and we got to stroke it.

The Ranger put his head in its mouth

and someone had to try and pull it out.

The Utahraptor stole his hat and we chased it to get it back. We had a fantastic time learning about dinosaurs.

ease Thank you Year 2, pl

vegetables; Visit the SS Great Britain; Meet a local Councillor; Visit another school in the Endeavour Academy Trust.

Children have been very excited to receive their booklets and some have already had stamps for over ten experiences. Karthika Bommu from Y3 said: “It’s really exciting getting the stamps.

It’s like a race to see who can get the most!” There will be a graduation at the end of the year to reward children for gathering as many stamps as possible.

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OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS IT’S ALL IN A NAME FOR HORFIELD FROM CARE UK Pupils from Horfield Primary School took part in a competition to name the three suites at Care UK’s new care home, Henleaze Gardens on Southmead Road.

The children put their heads together to come up with a list of names that have cultural or historical significance to them and the local area, and these were then whittled down to the top three by the Care UK team.

When Henleaze Gardens opens in November 2019 the suites will be known as the Orchid Suite, the Waterlily Suite and the Willow Suite, tying in with the history around the home’s name, and reflecting the importance of Henleaze Lake which has been a key part of local life for years.

Care UK has presented the school with book tokens to say thank you for the pupils’ hard work.

Claire Ellam, development project manager at Care UK, said: “As we gear up to welcome the first residents to the home later this year, the all-important naming of the suites is a key consideration – this presented an excellent opportunity to work with Horfield Primary School. The ideas the pupils put forward were all of a very high standard, and we’re really pleased with the three final names.”

Jenny Taylor, head teacher at the school, added: “We were thrilled when Care UK asked to work with us on this exciting new venture here in Southmead. The children had a great time researching the local history to help them come up with the names.”

For more information, please visit website: careuk.com/henleaze-gardens

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APRIL DIARY DATES The What’s On weekly calendar is on the next page, or online at www.themead.org.uk where you can submit your notices and dates for events you’d like us to print.

BS10 Parks & Planning Mtg

Mon 8th April - 6 pm Greenway Centre enq: 0117 950 3719 Inclusion Southmead Mtg Tues 9th April - 11 am The Meeting Rooms 07867 690 422 Team Southmead Mtg Tues 30th April - 11 am Southmead Library enq: 07790 426 609

EASTER at GREENWAY CENTRE (DONCASTER ROAD)

Monday 8th til Sunday 21st April

Badock’s Wood Quiz Trail

EASTER FUN DAY: ● Bouncy Castle ● Face Painting ● Easter Egg Hunt Please follow us on Facebook @greenwaycentre for timings and event updates tel: 0117 950 3355 email: info@southmead.org

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OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS ORCHARD STUDENTS BRANCH OUT! FROM ORCHARD SCHOOL BRISTOL For five of last year’s Year 11 at Orchard School, the next chapter in their education has been exciting and is paving the way for a bright future.

Lewis Bullock, Emily Holbrook, Max Grant, Nathan Herbert and Steen Maxwell secured 6th Form scholarships at two of Bristol’s leading independent schools - Colston’s and Bristol Grammar. Scholarships vary – some are related to subjects and in most cases a proportion of the fees are paid.

Steen and Lewis recently returned to Orchard School to update Miss Richards on their progress at Colston’s The group have been discussing how the opportunities arose and have given some tips to current students thinking counts towards your success at the end THE NOISE continued from page 1 . . . of year 11 and further. Never say no to about their options.

They dig gardens and pick litter, paint any opportunities that come your way, community centres, make cream teas for Lewis said: “I am now taking 3 A-levels enrich yourself with experiences and senior citizens, and run free community (maths, biology and chemistry) at make the most of them – it’s worth it!” events across the city.

Colston’s School sixth form. I was The Noise 2019 is from 4th – 6th May, given a scholarship to the school which Emily said she had been pleasantly when hundreds of volunteers will unite surprised by the experience at means they thought I could benefit the to serve local communities in Bristol and Colston’s and was enjoying both the school and the school could benefit to continue the vision of the Noise to me. I was given the opportunity to be learning and the many extra-curricular ‘show God’s love in practical ways’. interviewed by the headmaster to see opportunities. She said: “I’m at Rachel Varley (part of the core team) Colston’s Collegiate Sixth Form if I was able to attend and to get to know me better in person and luckily I studying A level biology, chemistry and from Lockleaze, explains: “We’re excited to host the 19th year of The Noise in psychology. I’ve been there for 5 was accepted. My advice to current Bristol and see volunteers inspired to months now and it’s been an amazing Orchard students would be to not connect more with what’s happening in experience so far. It was very easy to worry if they don’t know what they their local communities. We love to see settle in as everyone was so welcoming want to do later in life. It’s only the people enjoying gathering together at and kind. I was very nervous before I beginning and there’s no point in free events in their local area and feeling went, but it didn’t take me very long to more connected to their neighbours. It’s stressing out over it this early on, just settle in at all which surprised me, I also been a wonderful way to encourage focus on improving yourself in think the supportive teachers and those working hard to bring positive whatever way best suits you.” change in communities all year round pupils really helped with that. I was Max, who excelled at handball at concerned before about the stereotype and show love to individuals and families Orchard School including securing who are facing tough times. We know of a typical private school, but my international honours, said: “I am that working together in a practical way preconceptions were proved wrong currently attending Bristol can build Bristol as a ‘city of hope’.” and I wouldn’t change my decision of Grammar School, studying 4 A-Levels. I choosing Colston’s as my sixth form at Details at time of going to print. received a scholarship from BGS along all.

- Saturday 4th May, 2 pm - 4 pm: with a bursary which covered a high Free car wash & kids activities percentage of the school fees. During Orchard School assistant head Miss Brentry & Henbury Children’s Centre.

- Saturday 4th May, 3 pm - 5 pm: my time at Orchard the teachers were Richards said: “All four students are a Senior Citizens’ Cream Tea extremely supportive in helping me to credit to Orchard School and we have New Brunswick URC, Wigton Crescent been delighted to watch their progress push myself to the best of my ability.

- Monday 6th May, 2 pm - 4 pm: in Sixth Form.

They are clearly thriving I’m also grateful for the effort they Family Fun Afternoon on Glencoyne in their new environments and our made in helping me to choose the best Square staff are always seeking out the best place for sixth form. My advice for For Practical community projects across opportunities for our current current Orchard students? Don't stop the weekend, please keep an eye on working hard at school. All of the effort students.” you put in (even as early as Year 7)

social media and the Noise website: www.thenoise.org.uk / www.facebook.com/bristolnoise

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

WORRIED ABOUT WORRYING?

By Clarie Miles SOUTHMEAD RESIDENT & COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPIST

Everybody worries: money; the children; Brexit – worrying is something we all do when life feels uncertain. Our thoughts go round in circles, and we ask a stream of ‘what if’ questions that do not ever seem to have answers.

But what happens when we start to worry about how much we are worrying – when the worrying itself starts to become part of the problem? We can get tired, and tense. Headaches, IBS, and other aches and pains become part of our life. It becomes hard to problem solve as we cannot be sure we are working out the right answers, and the problems then pile up. Eventually, we end up exhausted and demoralised, and can even become depressed.

The good news is, whether we ‘have always been a worrier’ or whether we

The following workshops are free, but you will need to complete our booking form online at: www.second-step.co.uk to guarantee your place, or telephone: 0117 914 5498 ALL SESSIONS: 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm, Greenway Centre, Doncaster Road, Southmead, BS10 5PY telephone: 0117 950 3335

started worrying more recently, we do not have to stay stuck here. Cognitive Behavioural Techniques such as ‘worry time’ (where we learn to spend less time each day worrying) and ‘problem solving’ (where we learn how to find good solutions to issues) can be helpful in changing our worrying habits.

We can free up time and focus again on the things that are important to us.

Why not start with this technique: The Worry Tree. First, notice when you are worrying. Second, ask yourself what you are worrying about – writing it down often helps.

Third, ask yourself if you can do anything about the worry.

If you can do anything about the worry then this is a practical problem, and it’s worth thinking about.

Make an action plan and carry it out.

This may mean putting aside a time later to solve your problem if you can’t do it right now. If you can’t do anything about the worry this means it is a hypothetical worry. Thinking about hypothetical worries wastes our time and increases our anxiety. These are the worries to put aside by focusing back on what we would rather be doing in that moment –

INTRODUCTION TO WRITING FOR WELLBEING Date: Monday 8th April Connect with your inner author simply by sharing your own lived experience through a series of writing activities aimed to boost creative juices and increase your confidence with the pen.

The aim of this workshop is to help you overcome your fear of the blank page, take your imagination for a walk, and rediscover the weird and wonderful in our everyday lives.

UNDERSTANDING YOURSELF Date: Monday 15th April Classically, we are our own worst critics. The Understanding Yourself course aims to help us dispel some of our negativity towards ourselves and improve our outward lives and inner wellbeing by knowing ourselves

whether that is our job, our family, a hobby, or even enjoying a cup of tea.

Of course, learning how to refocus from our hypothetical worries and how to problem solve can be a challenge in themselves! So if you would like more support contact Bristol Wellbeing Therapies for their courses on managing worry - if you are online you can sign up at https://iapt-bristol.awp.nhs.uk, or telephone: 0117 982 3209 better, recognising our strengths and attributes and increasing our selfawareness. The session is for anyone who is feeling that things aren’t quite balancing out, despite their best efforts and is generally helpful for those experiencing a lack of motivation but want to move forward.

CONFIDENCE BUILDING Date: Monday 29th April An introduction to explore our perceptions and beliefs about confidence. Identify our comfort and learning zones as well as areas of personal strength. Discover ways in which we can increase our confidence changing the ‘I can’t’ into ‘I can’. This session is for those who may struggle or feel they have lost confidence and would like to find ways to increase their self-assurance.

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WRITERS IN RESIDENCE DAWN’S DANCE MEMORIES

By Dawn Payne SOUTHMEAD RESIDENT

Dawn, far left, in her ballet shoes

MARION’S MEMORY LANE: MY DRESS OF MEMORIES

By Marion Garland SOUTHMEAD RESIDENT My friend Brenda, seen here modelling my dress, brings back many happy memories of our teens. We still keep in touch, Brenda and l, we are both in our eighties but have been close friends since we were three years old.

The other day she came to my house and we were talking about the old days when she asked if I still had my white dress with red spots. I said of course I had, I'd bought it when I was fifteen in Alan Fosters clothes shop in Old Market Street. It cost me £1 9s 11p in old money. As it’s made of Irish linen it's very heavy. It has a huge skirt and 21 buttons down the front. Brenda said she would try it on but couldn’t do up the top two buttons, so we put a silk scarf around the neck to hide her modesty!

Someone saw the picture of the dress and asked me if I had ever thought about auctioning the dress and I told her that the dress meant more to me than money. Family and friends have borrowed the dress and they too have memories. It is such a classic style that it could still be worn today.

I haven’t always been older you know. I used to look in the mirror thinking I was Doris Day singing Ka Sera Sera, what a show! Well I thought so! My Mum would always say what a noise, are you in pain?

I just made ‘I don’t care face’, I just sang on again.

Then I took up to dance, I loved it, I thought I was a ballerina, in my wobbly one leg stance.

Flitting around twirling, my brother would put pay to that, his foot a trip, I was on the ground. Then I would dream being on the stage!

I joined a dance group and what do you know I was in a show, my first ballet shoes all my own, with pink pretty ribbons all neatly sewn. I will never forget these things I have done, and to become a special one.

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RESIDENT’S WRITING SUSAN’S SUMMER MEMORIES

By Susan Coombes SOUTHMEAD CREATIVE WRITERS’ GROUP

SEVERN BEACH It’s holiday time again Let’s go and get the train To Severn Beach we will go Steamy train - very slow Smut in my eye, start to cry “Are we there?”, sweets to share Once there we walk to Millers Farm The sun is shining, nice and warm Our chalet is there number 69 Everything is clean and fine My sister and I are free to roam This is now our second home We can paddle in the sea There really is so much to see We don’t have to go to school Shall we find the Bubble Pool Or look for shells on the bearch?

Everywhere is in our reach

From The Mead Volunteer Editor Susan wrote to tell us she enjoys reading The Mead and had especially enjoyed Marion’s item in February’s edition about travelling to Severn Beach, which inspired Susan to write her poem. We looked up Miller’s Farm (which is now a retirement park called Salthouse Farm, still run by the Miller family from the same farmhouse) and found the lovely postcard above from the 1940s - a bit before your time Susan but it gives us an idea. Thank you Susan for your lovely poem and for telling us you enjoy The Mead.

We’ve had lots of great feedback after last month’s special edition and two chaps who grew up in Southmead were inspired to phone us. Mr Cochlan (84) who now lives in Nailsea, was brought up on Eastleigh Road, and Mr Hoare (72) phoned us all the way from sunny Newcastle - as a lad he lived on Shetland Road. It was absolutely delightful to speak with both these gentlemen, who appreciate The Mead, and we will make sure copies continue to make their way to Nailsea and Newcastle. Thank you Richard and Dennis for the lovely chats, it was a pleasure to hear about your great affection for Southmead.

INSPIRED BY EXPERIENCE

By Teri SOUTHMEAD RESIDENT After nursing and then experiencing the loss of my beloved Saemus-cat, I was wholly shocked by the indifference and lack of support I received. This was not only from friends but also from my workplace who did not officially acknowledge my grief or offer compassionate leave.

As a qualified Spiritualist ​I know that the loss of a family member can affect everyone differently, but it does not matter what form that loss takes; the process of grieving is the same and that should be acknowledged. My feelings of despair, loneliness and even depression were overwhelming, yet I watched a colleague get all the support they needed for their loss while I was expected to grit my teeth, swallow my emotions and get on with it in a deepening pool of isolation.

This experience spurred me on to change my career direction in to animal welfare and, in memory of Saemus-cat, I set up pet services at Bill and Ted's Pig Inn. In your absence your pets deserve the best care; we insist on the highest standards and are proud of our National Association of Registered Pet Sitters membership.

Please talk to me about what you need, our services include: ● small animal boarding: bed and breakfast - both short- and long-term accommodation. ● pet sitting: house visits for hutched clients; dog walking; home visits for feline clients ● pet bereavement services contact: Teri at Pig Inn Marvellous (Bill and Ted's Small Animal Boarding and Pet Bereavement Facilitation). email: teri@piginnmarvellous.co.uk, tel: 07966293113, www.piginnmarvellous.co.uk (photo above) Teri and Saemus-cat (photo below) Bill and Ted - audacious dudes and Peruvian Guinea Pigs!

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REGENERATION UPDATE If you’d like to learn more about Southmead Regeneration telephone Hannah Walker on 0117 950 3335, visit the website: www.southmead.org/southmeadregeneration-project and please get in touch if you have any thoughts or questions you would like to discuss with the team.

AWARD F OR REGEN TEAM PLAYER

THE FINAL PLANS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT SOUTHMEAD FESTIVAL ON JULY 6TH FROM ARNSIDE & GLENCOYNE SQUARE REGENERATION PROJECT

So far the Southmead Regeneration Team have run ten consultation events, all about design – and there are several more to go! During these events we’ve been asking people a number of questions about the design of Glencoyne Square - what the future buildings, community facilities and green space should look and feel like.

Some of the themes that have emerged so far include What is unique about Southmead? ● The geometric shapes of the roads that you can see on the map ● It is leafy and green, with lots of space and light ● The variety of shapes and colours in the houses, and the red bricks Many people think that the new buildings on Glencoyne Square should refer to the history of Southmead (for example, through the kinds of materials used) – but also that they should bring something new, fresh, modern and cheerful into the area.

What should the buildings look like?

Many people were concerned about having materials and finishing on the buildings that would take a lot of maintenance and upkeep and wanted to avoid having anything that might weather badly or look scruffy in the future. Here are some of the things people liked the idea of ● Colourful and cheerful buildings that look friendly

● ‘Homey’ buildings that are not domineering or intimidating ● A variation in shapes and height, which would break the buildings up and make them look less tall and block-y ● Buildings with character and shape, not boring! ● Balconies which look sturdy and have some element of shelter ● Don’t want hidden or dark spaces which could attract anti-social behaviour or rubbish

Sam (on right) with Mike (left)

FROM SOUTHMEAD DEVELOPMENT TRUST

UWE Bristol Intern Sam McLellan spent the summer of 2018 with us to support the Regeneration project. Sam, an Architecture and Planning student, was an instant hit and showed passion and pride for Southmead throughout the What about the public and green space? crucial community consultation process The priority for many people was to have and went above and beyond to keep up communal spaces where you could with the ambitions of the project. He connect with other people, or just enjoy built friendships with many Southmead being outside. Spaces to sit, to eat your Residents, including Mike Murch of the lunch, to talk to others, and to do BS10 Parks and Planning group. activities. This was also something that teenagers were particularly interested in A few weeks ago, Mike went along to a celebration event and awards ceremony – a space where they could hang out at UWE as Sam had been nominated for with their friends and chat, but still be Undergraduate Intern of the Year amongst the community. Others following is amazing work in Southmead . suggested planting and growing spaces, . . and he won! Mike said a few words to wildflower meadows, and a sensory emphasise the impact Sam made: “As garden.

Sam arrived, the project was still an ‘if’ it All the feedback from each consultation will happen. Now, it’s a matter of event is fed back to the architect, Nash ‘when’.”

Partnership. Nash will work to make sure The people from UWE and the other the design reflects the priorities of the organisations present were very community, alongside all the other interested to hear more about factors they have to consider when designing the buildings (such as financial Southmead’s community-led housing scheme and it was a really proud viability, space and quality of the apartments, making sure there is enough moment for us all and the hard work we have all put into making the parking and adequate space for Regeneration project get to where it is community facilities – etc!). today. A huge thanks to Sam again for all his great work.

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This is an illustration of the different ideas set out in the Southmead Regeneration Masterplan. The first phase of the Masterplan is the regeneration of Glencoyne Square. The project plans for this development are due to be submitted for planning approval in June 2019. The project plans have been (and continue to be) informed by what people in the community want to see happen in the area. This is a community-led project and we would love to hear from you (contacts on page 14).

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For donations this month to: * Brentry & Henbury Children’s Centres * * Southmead Development Trust * * Sami Chugg * * The kind person who picked up a copy at Greenway Reception and left £1 * We rely on donations, however small, and advertising, to pay for our printing costs. We are run by Volunteers. Please help to keep The Mead in print by donating or volunteering to help with distribution, advertising, our website, and IT - everyone is welcome.

Since we moved to monthly publication we usually print 2000 copies and distribute them to all the main locations in Southmead where you can pick up your copy. One of our Volunteers personally delivers copies to residents in sheltered accommodation to ensure they are kept in touch. IF you usually receive one through your letter box it is because a neighbour on your street or one of our Volunteers is kind enough to pick up a batch and deliver them.

If you would like a copy through your door every month, we can print a batch for your street for you to deliver. Just let us know and then collect them each month from the Greenway Centre. Go on, please volunteer to help us to keep our community connected . . .

Items in The Mead are written by the Southmead Community and by those who want to reach Southmead Residents. All views and content are the writer’s own.

The Mead website offers a self-publishing system which displays and stores all submitted items; we print as many as we can in the monthly paper version.

Please get in touch with us to share your views about The Mead, we are always keen to hear feedback so we can improve our service. We are run solely by Volunteers so please allow us a little time to contact you if you leave us a phone message or send us an email.

To get your item printed in the next issue just submit it to our website by the next deadline. Not online? Don’t type? Just contact us and we will find you someone who can help. telephone: 07895 477 379 email: editor@themead.org.uk

GOT AN EYE FOR LAYOUT & DESIGN? VOLUNTEER NEEDED: If you’d like to format The Mead each month, or every other month, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch. email: editor@themead.org.uk

Having trouble caring for your feet?

It often becomes difficult over time to manage foot care. Mobility often decreases, along with vision and dexterity.

Changes to your feet and nails associated with the ageing process include nail thickening and dry skin.

I offer a footcare clinic at Greenway Community Practice, open to both practice and non practice patients.

Here I provide foot care including nail cutting, corn removal, callous debridement and advice. Clinics are held on a Friday and bookable through reception – telephone 01179 598 939.

Karen Woodman Chiropodist, Hcpc registered

MONDAY 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm TUESDAY 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm at Southmead Community Centre, Greystoke Avenue, BS10 6BQ Call Nicola on: 07873 818 193