SouthmeadNews&What’sOn HAPPY20th BIRTHDAYTO THEMEAD!
Waybackinthedayitwas thoughtthatSouthmead neededimprovement,whichtobe honestwedid.Wehad,ands�llhave,a greatbunchofpeoplehere,butwe requiredhelp.So,incameateamfrom BristolCityCouncilandNeighbourhood Renewalbegan.Thiswasspearheaded byKurt,Fiona,Jill(sadly,sheisno longerwithus),andTracyE-B. oneques�onwasdominantfora �me,howcouldwehelppull Southmeadupandgetresidentson boardandinformed?Theanswerwas TheMeadnewspaperandaneditorial groupwasformed.Wesoon discoveredthatSouthmeadwasawash withtalent.Therewerethosewho wrotepoetry,otherswrotehistory. Somevolunteeredtogoout interviewingshoppersonArnside, otherstookphotos.Butwhatabout
layout,andprin�ng,anddelivery?We wereputintouchwithDave,a freelancemagazinelayout professional.
MikeMpoundedthestreetsto developdeliveryrounds,therewere justshortoftwentyroutes.More residentssteppedupandsowehad thevolunteersweneededstandingby. Whenthematerialcameinitwas allinajumble.Whowastodecide whatwentwhere?Wedid!Members oftheeditorialteamtookitinturnsto editeveryedi�oninpairsormore. Therewas MarionandAnne,Jayne withJadeandJordon,PatandJoan (whoweweresosadtoloselast month),andMarionandme.
GillWtypedupallthehandwri�en notesanddecipheredoursquiggles. Davetrainedsomeofustouse computerso�waretolayoutthe pages.OhthehoursIspentinhis
INSIDE
P.3RememberingJoan
P.4ARightHoo-Haa!
P.7Summerthingsforkids
P.9Celebra�ngBe�y
P.10DavidSmashesAward
P.12CommunityConversa�on
P.13SouthmeadYearly Update&prizedraw
P.14GlencoyneUpdate
P.15RefurbfortheOld Canteen
P.16ZooNeighbours
P.17Chester’sChumsLi�the Cup!
P.19Southmead’sCommunity ClimateAc�onPlan
P.23Times,Places&Info
<con�nuedfromfront
homesor�ngoutmyglitches!Thenoff itwenttotheprintersandtheproof cameback.Pat’sMikeG(sosadlyno longerwithus)proofreadit,and whencompleteitwentto theprinterswiththe correc�onsandrolled offthepress.
Thoseearly edi�onswerejustin blackandwhite,and thesizeofabroadsheet newspaper.Five thousandwereprinted. Thefinishedpaperswere deliveredtomyhousewherethey werebundledupintotherounds, loadedontothevan,andthe followingdaywedroppedthemtoour amazingvolunteerswhotooktothe streets.Theresult-everyhousehold inSouthmeadreceivedacopy.
instanthit.Itwaswellreceivedby everyone.Didwefulfilouraim?Did wecommunicate?Youasareaderare ofthejudgeofthat.
Backthen,thecommonresponse was,“can’twaitforthenext issue”.Whathadwedone! Wehadcreatedlotsof workforourselvesanda magicalpaper.Atthe nexteditorialmee�ng, whenthethrillof holdingacopyofThe Meadwasover,the commonfeelingwas“we needtoimprove”.
Andsowasbornthebestpaperin Bristol,TheMead.Thankstoevery volunteerwhoovertheyearshashad ahandinproducingthisbrilliant publica�on-allthosewhoares�ll withus,andthosewehavelost.
Fromthecurrentteam: Ian,thankyouforthislovely piece.Youaresorelymissedin Southmeadasthebackboneof manyini�a�ves,butespeciallyas TheMead’sworkhorse-wri�ng, edi�ng,handlingadverts, produc�on,distribu�ng,and delivering.Youkepttheteams goingwithyourendlessenergyand enthusiasmfortheprintedword!
Youpa�entlytaughtthecurrent teameverythingtheyknowandare nows�llofferingyourexper�se fromyourre�rement.
Sofarsogood!Howdidthe readersrespond?Wewereallso excitedbecauseTheMeadwasan
Communica�oniss�llkeyandThe Meads�llhasanimportantroleto fulfil.Sodon’tforget,keepwri�ng, keepcrea�ng,andkeepvolunteering.
AsTheMeadfoundersage,and wearemourningafewnow, especiallyJoan(tributeopposite), weneedyoungerwritersand crea�vestocontributetothe magazine.Ifreadersknowof anyonewhocanvolunteertobe involved,pleasedogetintouch. Contactdetailsonpage23.
THEMEADBIRTHDAYSTAND
DidyoucomeandvisitusatThe MeadstandattheSouthmead Fes�val?Ifyoudidyouwillhaveseen oldcopiesofTheMeadgoingbackto theveryfirstonein2004,with hundredsofamazingar�clesand photoschar�ngthehistoryofour community.
Ifyouwouldliketoorderanyback edi�ons,thenpleasegetintouchwith us,wewouldbeveryhappytogive youcopiesforasmalldona�on.
TheMeadhasgonethroughmany upsanddowns,financialcrises,near endings,andnewbeginnings.Many
�mesithasseemedthattheknockon effectofGovernmentscu�ngcoststo councils,andcouncilscu�ngcoststo communi�es,hasputcommunity publica�onslikeTheMeadinjeopardy. Manyothercommunity communica�onsonpaperhave experiencedthesamepushandpull overtheyears.
Throughthedetermina�onand gritofourcommunity,TheMeadhas alwaysjustaboutmanagedtohangon. Atlastmomentsmiracleshave happenedwhichhasbroughtmoney tothepotforone,ormaybetwomore edi�ons.Ithasbeenahardwaytolive forTheMeadvolunteers,neverreally knowingwhatthefuturehadinstore. Itisachallengetoearnincomewith suchanuncertainfuturebecause adver�serscannotputtheirfaithand moneyintosomethingwhichmight nothappen.
Whenthingswerelookingbleak a�erCovid,theBoardofTrusteesat theSouthmeadDevelopmentTrust listenedtotheirfellowresidentswho insistedTheMeadmustkeepgoing andthatitwasthekeytokeepingus allconnected.Itwasthereforeagreed tobringTheMeadintotheworkofthe
Trustandtosourcefundstobackitfor afewyears.Thiswasahugerelieffor readerswho,notonlyarenotonline, orsimplylovetoholdamagazinein theirhands,butalsocanbeisolated.
ThankstotheTrustforits con�nuedsupportandtoresidents whoares�llenthusias�caboutnews onpaper.Pleasekeepcontribu�ng youritemssothatwecancon�nueto offerarangeofitemsaboutsubjects importanttousallhereinSouthmead andthatasmanydifferentvoicesare included.
Ifyouneedhelpwithwri�ngyour itempleasecomealongtoTechyTea Party(detailsonpage14). The volunteerstherewillhelpyouwith wri�ngandtypingifneeded,and supportyoutosubmityour contribu�ontothenextavailable edi�on.
Wewillbecelebra�ngour twen�ethbirthdayallthisyearand hopetoreprintafewoftheold stories.Pleasesubmityourmemories andpictures,thoughtsandanecdotes, andmusingsandrhymes,tohelp commemoratethisspecialanniversary. Oldphotoswouldbeespecially appreciated.
REMEMBERINGJOAN1941-2024
WearesosadthatSouthmead haslostoneofits communitygreats,JoanBenne�. EveryoneknewJoan,shewasatthe centreofallgoodworkinthe community,anincrediblyhardworkingvolunteer,andshewillbe hugelymissed.JoanwasaTrusteefor theSouthmeadDevelopmentTrust from1999to2010,wasoneofthe foundersofTheMeadnewspaper,and dedicatedtotheSouthmeadHistory Group.Wededicatethisedi�onand TheMead’s20thanniversarytoher. Joan’sGranddaughter,Laura,writes:
Itiswithdeepsorrowthatwe announcethepassingofJoan ValerieBennett,wholeftusonthe 27thofMay,2024,atSouthmead Hospital,aged82.Granwillbe trulymissednotonlybyherfamily, butbytheSouthmeadCommunity.
Shewasoneoftheunsung heroesofSouthmead–oneofthose peoplewhohasgivenherfreetime withoutanyfinancialgain.She workedtosupportlocalpeopleby providingherfinancialexpertise, whereshewasabletomakesure anymoneycomingintoSouthmead wasputtogooduse.Dedicatedto hervolunteeringworkshewason theSouthmeadYouthClub committeewheresheoversawthe financialplanningandmadesure thefundswerespentwiselyon youngpeople,andsheworkedhard helpingwiththeFridaydinnerclub fortheelderly,aswellasatother communitygroups.
Hercommitmentmadeahuge impactonthedecisionsonwhat washappeninginthearea.Shewas alsopartoftheplanningcommittee forsupportingthebuildingofPen ParkSportsground,shewasvery supportiveofSouthmeadYouth Club,SouthmeadDevelopment Trust,andthelistgoeson.Shewas partofTheMeadmagazinefromits beginning.Shewasaverykind, smartandbeautifulladywhoput herheartandsoulintoherfamily
andSouthmead.Shewasoneof thosepeoplewhomadethings happenwithoutanyoneknowing herinvolvement,justquietly gettingonwithit.
ThisissuchalovelypieceLaura, thankyouforwri�ngit.Weknow allreadersofTheMead,andmany manymore,willjoinusinsending ourloveanddeepestsympathiesto youandtherestofJoan’sfamily,
BristolBeacon,Bristol’s largestmusicvenue,is proudtorevealitisbringingits annualchildren’sfes�valHoo-Ha! totheorganisa�on’sSouthmead home,BeaconMusicCentre, forthefirst�me.Itwill beafree,one-day fes�valonSaturday 10thAugust.
Hoo-Ha!isa hullaballooof familyfun packedwith music,dancing, andac�vi�esfor li�lepeopleand theirfamilies.
For2024,Bristol Beaconisholding aminiversionof thefes�valin Southmead,aswell aspresen�ngthefull fes�valatBristolBeacon laterinAugust.
A�endeesoftheSouthmead edi�onofHoo-Ha!cancatch
interac�veshowsfromlocalfes�val favouritesKidCarpet,ICHI, and RSVPBhangra.Plustherewillbe plentyofhands-onac�vi�essuch ascra�withLet’sMakeArt, exploringsoundwithNoisyToys, andevencrazygolfwith KissMyPut.There’s alsolotsmores�ll tobe announced.
Beacon MusicCentre isBristol Beacon’s basefor crea�ve learning locatedin Southmead onStanton Road.Usually, theCentre hostsprebookedlessons andac�vi�es,but forHoo-Ha!willopen tothepublicforthisone-day event.
JuliaRoderick,Headof CommunityEngagementatBristol Beaconsays:“We’resoexcitedto bethrowingopenthedoorsof BeaconMusicCentreand welcomingintheSouthmead communityforthisjoyful celebra�onofmusic,playand crea�vity.Wehopefamiliescan comealongandmakespecial memoriestogetherwithusthis summer.”
Ma�Aitken,Ar�s�c ProgrammeratBristolBeacon adds,“We’relookingforwardto introducingfamilies,friends, and neighboursinSouthmeadtothe organisedchaosofHoo-Ha!You canexpectfunnynoises,silliness, andcra�yfunbothindoorsand outdoors.”
Hoo-Ha!inSouthmeadtakes placeonSaturday10thAugustat BeaconMusicCentre,Stanton Road,BS105SJ.Forfullinfovisit online: bristolbeacon.org/hoo-ha-2024, ortelephone: 01172047140
RAISEDINBRISTOLATGREENWAY
RaisedinBristolatthe GreenwayCentreopenedjust threeyearsago,inanewlyrefurbished spacedesignedtoinspireyoung minds.We’vefocusedoncrea�nga light,welcominganden�cing environment,whichisenhancedby ourpassionatenurseryteam.You’ll findussituatedoppositethe GreenwayCommunityGPPrac�ce.
RaisedinBristolisalocalsocial enterprise,providingtheverybestin earlyyearseduca�onandchildcare whilesuppor�ngcommunity organisa�ons.Weworkforthebenefit ofourcommuni�es,notshareholders, withafocusonlocalandethical businessandsuppor�ngthelocal circulareconomy.
Opentochildrenaged6monthsto 5years,thenurseryisawelcoming home-from-home.RaisedinBristol offersplay-ledlearninginaspacethat priori�sesanurturingenvironmentas yourchildrentaketheirfirststeps towardsschool.
Thenurserybacksontolotsof beau�fuloutsidespace.Justashort walkacrossthefieldliesBadock’s Wood.Withitswindingtrailsand runningstream,it’stheperfectspace forthechildrentoexplorenatureand getmuddy.
Havingagooddietandnutri�ous andyummyfoodintheearlyyearsis essen�alforallaspectsof development.Thisiswhywe’ve partneredwithlocalfamily-run restaurantgroupBianchisviaCucina Bambinitoprovidetheverybestfood forthechildren.
Therearealimitednumberof placesavailableatthisnurseryandwe areaccep�ngallofthenewchildcare fundingalloca�onsforworking families.
Ifyouareinterestedinaplaceor wouldliketofindoutmoreheadto ourwebsite:raisedin.org.uk/ southmeadandfilloutaregistra�on formorgiveourusacallon 08000487968oremail admissions@raisedin.org.uk
CELEBRATINGARTISTBETTY
Wereyouluckyenoughto takepartinBe�y’spompommakingworkshopatthe SouthmeadFes�val?Andifyou wereatMencap’sMyCommunity Bristolcelebra�oneventinMayat theArdaghinHorfield, thenyou mayhavespo�edBe�ytheretooherworkshopsareincredibly popular.OurthankstoBe�yfor sharingherskillswithus.
Be�yisanaccomplishedar�st withalearningdisability, andisa well-lovedregularinCommunity CornerattheGreenwayCentre takingpartinallsortsofgroups andac�vi�es.
Shebecameanar�sta�ershe begangoingtocollegewhenher husbandTomdied.Be�y remembersnotbeingabletotalk toanyoneatfirstbutthen describesthata�ermanyyearsof goingshecameoutofhershell. ShejoinedaprojectwithArtIn Mo�onatSpikeIslandandhas beencrea�ngartworkeversince.
ArtinMo�on(A.I.M)isacharity workingwithlearning-disabledand neurodiversear�sts.Theyhave supportedBe�ytoexhibither artwork.Oneofherincredible pieces‘TheDress’wasinspiredby avisitshemadetoTheRedLodge Museumwherethereisapain�ng ofQueenElizabethI.Itisalifesizedcrocheteddresswhichwas displayedattheArnolfiniarts centredowntown.
A.I.MatBristol’sSpikeIsland centre,currentlysupportsfourteen ar�stsandislookingtoexpandto supportmore.Ifyouwouldliketo findoutmoreabouttheirworkand projectsandhaveonlineaccess, thentheirwebsiteiswellwortha visitat: h�ps://ar�nmo�on45.com TheyarealsoonFacebook. OryoucantelephonetheirDirector ColinHigginsonon07971618112.
IfyouareinspiredbyBe�y’s artworkandwouldliketoget crea�ve,thenwehavelotsof opportuni�esatourfreegroups atGreenwayincludingtheart group(foradults),Southmead KnitandNa�er,andcra�sand cardmaking.
Ifyouwouldliketogetin touchwithmetofindoutmore abouthowwesupportpeople withlearningdisabili�esplease email: evepayne@southmead.orgor tel:01179503335
CommunityCornerfree ac�vi�esarelistedonthe oppositepage←wewouldlove toseeyou.
Be�yatTheArdaghinHorfield
‘TheDress’
DAVIDSMASHESANATIONALAWARD
ManyofyouwillknowDavid Sully,heistheWellbeing CoachattheGreenwayCentreand runsMondaySocialBadminton–a groupwhoplayforfun,withacup ofteaandachata�erwards.
IfirstmetDavidaroundten yearsago.Iwasworkingforlocal HIVcharity,Brigstowe,andDavid wasworkingfortheDiversityTrust. Some�mesourpathswouldcrossat events,orwewouldworkonjoint projects.So,whenIstartedworking atGreenwayaroundeighteen monthsagoIwasoverjoyedwhen ourpathscrossedagain.Davidwas alreadyworkingheretoleadthe ac�vityprojectforresidentscalled physicalsocialprescribing.
Daviddoesfantas�c workmee�ngresidents tosupportthemwith physicalhealthand wellbeing–anything fromnutri�onand sleep,toac�vityor mood.Heworks one-to-onewith peoplewho experience differenthealth condi�onsand disabili�es,taking �metoreally understandeach personbeforelinking themwithac�vi�es andservicesthatwill bestsupportthem.
beenrecognisedna�onallyand interna�onally!Sopleasejoinmein wishingDavidhugecongratula�ons. IfyouareinterestedinjoiningDavid’s SocialBadmintongrouponMondays, 12noonto1pm,dogetintouchwith
David,email: davidsully@southmead.org,ortel: 01179503335.Also,ifyouthinkthat one-to-onewellbeingcoachingcould benefityou,pleasedogetintouch.
Weofferlotsof ac�vi�eshereat Greenway,soDavidis nevershortofgroups tolinkpeoplewith. HislovelySocial Badmintongroupis relaxedand welcoming,andisas muchabouthavingacupofteaasit isabouthi�ngashu�lecock!
InJuneIwasabsolutely overjoyedwhenDavid’sprojectwon attheSocialPrescribingAwards.It isbrilliantthatDavid’sworkhas
DavidcelebrateshisawardwithChampers!
COMMUNITYCONVERSATION
Didyouseemeoroneof mycolleaguesin Conversa�onCorneratthe Fes�valthisyear?Ihopewe hadthechancetochatto youaswelaunchedthis year’ssurvey.
Thisisourthirdyearof theLivinginSouthmead YearlyUpdateandour secondyearoflaunchingitat theSouthmeadFes�val.
Previoussurveyshaveled tothingslikeourBatch Cookingproject,theHorizon DisabilityFriendshipGroup, andourDeathCafeat Greenway.
Whatwewanttoknowis howeveryonefeelsabout livinghereandifthereis anythingyouwouldliketoget
involvedwith,setup,ortake partin.
Thisyearwehavea ques�onabouthow welcomingSouthmeadisand howwecanmakeiteven morewelcoming,bothfor peoplewhohavelivedhere
forawhileandpeoplewho arenewtothearea.
Ifyoudidn’tgetachance tochatattheFes�valoryou havesomethingmoretosay, pleasetakethe�metofillin thesurveyonthenextpage anddropitbackto Greenway,oryoucancall metopickitup.
Wewillbepoppingup aroundSouthmeadformore communitychatsanddoorknockingoverthesummer andautumn.
Thereisachancetowina £50shoppingvoucherifyou leaveusyourcontactdetails. Popthembeloworfillina postcardwhenyoudropoff yoursheet.
Ifyouwouldliketogetin touchaboutanyofthisplease contactme, tel:01179503335oremail: lucillesmith@southmead.org
1
Southmead yearly update
What do you like about Southmead? Please choose your top 3.
Parks & green spaces
Sense of community
Shops & other facilities
Other .........................................................
Every year Southmead Development Trust catches up with residents to find out what's important to our community, and to find out what people want to take action on.
If you need any support to complete this form, do get in touch on 0117 950 3335. We have an Easy Read version available or someone can talk through it with you.
Being close to friends & family
Community activities & events
Diversity of communities who live here
How welcoming do you think Southmead is?
2 Very welcoming Quite welcoming Neither welcoming or unwelcoming Quite unwelcoming Very unwelcoming
3 What do you think would make Southmead even more welcoming?
4 What do you do that makes you feel connected to the community?
5 Is there something you’d like to start or get involved in? Tell us more. We’d love to hear ideas for groups, activities, and events which people would like to start.
6 What support and/or skills do you need to make this happen?
Return your answers to the post box at Greenway Centre reception, and enter a prize draw for a £50 shopping voucher by leaving your details on the postcards provided there, or on the separate slip opposite this page.
GLENCOYNE:ADESIGNSTEPCLOSER
Inthespringresidentswere invitedtotakepartininterac�ve designworkshopsfortheGlencoyne Squaredevelopment.Ledby landscapearchitectsStreets ReimaginedandChurchmanThornhill Finch(CTF),wewerejoinedbymany differentpeoplefromthecommunity, includingyoungleaders,and accessibilityauditorsfromtheWestof EnglandCentreforInclusiveLiving (WECIL),whichwasexactlywhatwe hopedfor.
Thefirstworkshopwasforthe designofthepublicrealm(the extensionofArnsideRoad).Everyone joinedintoworkouthowwecanhelp toenhancethethrivingcommunityat theheartofSouthmeadbyusing publicarttotellstoriesaboutthelocal community.
Residentsfelttheywantedtoseea well-usedareawithcafes,eventslike markets,pop-upac�vi�es,and communityorchardsorvegetable beds.Ofcourse,therewasgreat interestinhowtomakethisspace accessibletoeveryone.
Thesecondworkshopfocusedon refiningthedesignsforthesemiprivatecourtyardareasofthehousing development.Func�onalelements weretalkedaboutincludingkeyaccess points,refusecollec�on,andbicycle andu�litystorage.So�landscaping wasalsodiscussedandhowgarden designcouldfosterasenseof communityandcaterfordifferent needstoincludeareasofprivacyand calm,areasforfamiliesandforpeople withoutchildren.
Keyfindingswerethatthe communitywouldlikecourtyardsto besocialspaces,wheretheresidents ofalltheapartmentsarewelcomeina fun,ac�veandbeau�fulse�ng.
Thearchitectswillnowproduce someenhanceddesignswhichwill bringtheGlencoyneprojectcloserto construc�on.
Asalways,ifyouhaveany ques�onsabouttheGlencoyne developmentschemepleasecontact us,email:info@southmead.orgor telephone:01179503335,orvisit www.southmead.org
JUSTDESSERTSFORTHEOLDCANTEEN
Loadsofyouwillbefamiliarwith theroundedbuildingatthe DoncasterRoadentranceofthe GreenwayCentre.Whenthesitewasa school(GreenwayBoysSchool, 1951–1984)itwastheschool canteen.Didyouhaveyourdinner there?Sincetheschoolclosedthis building(picturedright)hasbeenused forawholehostofdifferentthings fromachurchtoascouthut,aradio sta�ontoanursery,andrentedoutto smallbusinesses,otherchari�es,and communitygroups.Butthemost consistentthingaboutithasbeenthat yeara�eryearithasbeenfallinginto disrepair!
Butnow,withnewinvestment, andthehelpofSouthmead’syoung people,wearere-designingthe buildingasawellbeinghubforyoung people-veryaptforanoldschool building!Thisnewhubwillgohandin handwithTheRanchandthemain Greenwaybuildingtohostsessions, ac�vi�es,andevents.
We’vebeenworkinghardonthe plansformorethanayear,ge�ngthe fundingtogetheranddeveloping designs.Youngpeopleinthe communityhavebeeninthedriving seatandtheywillcon�nuetobe involvedindecisionsaboutthelook andfeelofthehub.
We’redelightedthatnow,under thediligenteyeofourProject ManagerKaty,the refurbishmentworkhas begun.Katyhasalong historyof construc�on project management andishappiest wearingahard hat!Shesays: “transforming buildingsforthe widergoodof thecommunity keepsme mo�vated”.
Aspartofthe projectwe’realsohopingto improveourcarparkto
makeiteasiertonavigate.Youmay seeentrancepointstoGreenway changeduringtheworksandwe’re sorryforanyinconveniencethismay cause.AsaTrustweare commi�edto sustainable transportand equali�es,and sowewantto makethe areabe�er for wheelchair users, walking,and cycling;we hopeto encourage morepeopleto traveltoGreenway in...agreenerway!
ThroughouttheworksGreenway remainsopenandcon�nuestobea WelcomeSpaceforeveryone,sodo dropinforacuppaorfoodinour lovelyCafeDesAmis,andtojoinin withsomeofthegreatac�vi�es listedonpage8.
Pleasesendusyourmemories, stories,andphotos–goodandbad! Wewanttounderstandwhatthis buildinghasmeanttopeopleover theyears.Perhapsyouusedtohave yourschooldinnerhereasa Greenwayboy.
LookourformorenewsinThe Mead,anddowatchthisspaceaswe makeprogresstowardsourtargetfor re-openinginspring2025–wehope toshowyouhowanoldschool canteencanbeacoolspaceforthe future.
ContactSam,email: samgarbe�@southmead.org, telephone:01179503335
NEIGHBOURSATTHEZOOPROJECT
Onabrightsunnyday earlierlastmonth,the NeighboursConnectgang venturedbeyondtheM5tothe beau�fulandnatural environmentoftheBristolZoo Project.
Onarrival,weweregreeted bytheZoo’slushgardensandthe soundsofexo�canimals. Together,weexploredtheraised boardwalkoverlookingwoodland predatorslikewolves, wolverines,andlynxes.Wealso sawabig,lazybearchillingout onafallentreelog.
Thegiraffeandzebra enclosurewereafavourite amongthegroup.The statuesquegiraffes,towering aboveus,weremajes�cand beau�fultowatch.Atonepoint, theylookedliketheywere posingforustopainttheir portrait!
Anotherhighlightwasthe Geladababoonsfeedingsession. Noneofushadeverheardof thembefore.Geladasarefound onlyinthehighlandsofEthiopia, wheretheirlongfurry‘capes’ helpkeepthemwarm.
A�erabitetoeatinthecafe andagoodchat,weheaded home.
Dayslikethesereflectthe essenceofNeighboursConnect Southmead.Spending�me together,bringingasmiletoour faces,learningnewthings(not onlyaboutoursurroundingsbut eachother),andfostering connec�onamongstSouthmead Neighbours.
Ifyouhave�metovolunteer forourwonderfulgroup,we’d lovetohearfromyou.
PleasecontactourVolunteer Co-ordinatorAlex,email: alexbenne�@southmead.org, tel:01179503335,orme,email: mariafitzgerald@southmead.org
CHESTER’SCHUMSLIFTTHECUP!
SouthmeadQuizNighthas beengoingforaroundthree yearsnowandweraisemoneyto gointoacommunitypot.Thisyear wehaveonceagainraisedover £600whichwehavesplitintosix dona�onsof£100each.Wehave decidedtodonatetothesegood causesinourcommunity-The Mead,SouthmeadFes�val,the MemorialGarden,TheRanch, SouthmeadCommunityCentre, andMeadows2Meaders.
WemeetonthelastFridayof themonthfromSeptemberthrough �llJune(notinDecember).The wonderfulhostsaretheUnited ReformedChurchonWigton Crescent.Entryis£3perpersonand thereisalsoaraffleforrecycled gi�s.Yougetunlimitedtea,coffee, nibbles,andlaughter.
OurnextquizisonFriday27th Septemberfrom7pm.
Asyoucanseefromthepictures Chester'sChumswonthelastquiz nightandofcourseChesteristhe dog.
Docomealongandjoinusas wedon'ttakeourselvestoo seriouslyandwewouldwelcome yoursupport.
Iamhappyforyoutocontact metofindoutmoredetails: DeanaPerry,tel:07790426609, email:zazu@sky.com
Wearesurereaderswill alljoinusinaroundof applauseforthis fantas�cgroupof quizzersforraisingso muchmoneyforgood causesinSouthmead. Howgenerousandkind. Eachrecipientofthe dona�onwillbechuffed -weknowTheMeadis! Thanksagaineveryone.
cation for your Heart, Head & Hands...
From Sept to July, 30 students embark on a dynamic educational journey, to explore how we can create systems for land and community, that increase abundance, health and resilience.
Using permaculture design, practical hands-on skills, diverse engagement and a culture of commoning and collaboration
Our unique offering gives students the opportunity to get curious about a wide-range of topics, including; Organic Horticulture, Soil & Ecology, Woodland Management, Green Building, Renewable Energy, Horizontal Governance, Group Dynamics, Personal Resilience, the Art of Communication, Circular Economies, and much, much more...
The Practical Sustainability Course
Woven throughout our networks, the students embark on a range of field-trips to the meet practitioners who are making real change on the ground! From natural beekeepers, to land workers, and those who have built their own homes.
We’re passionate about embodying inclusion and valuing diversity throughout the curriculum, and cocreating a supportive learning environment where we consider how to meet each of our needs
Each year we invest in grassroot projects within Bristol, through stakeholder centred design projects, installing living willow sculptures, building infrastructure such as rain-watering harvesting, vegetable beds and seating areas, plus impressive full-scale roundhouses!
ThankstoEllaforcoordina�ngtheplanforSouthmead,contact:ellatainton@southmead.org
SouthmeadLibrary OpeningTimes
Monday:Closed
Tuesday:11am-5pm
Wednesday:11am-5pm
Thursday:Closed
Friday:1pm-5pm
Saturday:11am-5pm
Sunday:Closed
SouthmeadCommunity Centre
Monday
4pm–6pmTaeKwonDo
Tuesday 12pm–2pmLunchClub
6:30pm–8:30pmNewStar Judo
Wednesday 11am–12pmSilvacare
12pm–2pmChill&Chat 10am–1pmCoffeeMorning
Thursday
1pm-3pmPakistaniWelfare Group(womenonly)
7pm–9pmBingo
PentecostalCoffee Morning
10:30am-12:30pm Mondays
PentecostalHolinessChurch Forinfo,contact: 01179871327
Joinusforacuppa,company andachat.Allwelcome!
StStephen’sChurch FriendshipCafe 10am-12pm Wednesdays
Baby&ToddlerGroup 9:30-11am Mondays(term-�meonly) Forinfo tel:01179591250
7:30pm–10:30pmIrish
Forinfotel:01179501187
Youcouldhelp deliverTheMead
WewantTheMeadtoreachas manypeopleaspossible.Can youhelpgetittoacommunity buildingordoor-to-dooron yourstreet?
Getintouchwithour VolunteerCoordinatorAlex tel:01179503335 email: alexbenne�@southmead.org
SouthmeadDevelopmentTrustatwww.southmead.org proudlysponsorsTheMead.Contactusby email:themead@southmead.org,ortel:01179503335. Tofindoutwhenthenextedi�onisdueandthedeadlinefor contribu�ons,visittheTheMeadwebsite:www.themead.org.uk, OrcallintotheGreenwayCentreandchatwithourCommunity DevelopmentTeam.
TeamSouthmead Mee�ngs 11am-1pm
Tuesdays: 30th July,27th August, 24th September
StStephen’sChurch Forinfo,contactDeana tel:07790426609
BS10Neighbourhood Forum
Thursdays,6:30pm-8pm Henbury&BrentryCC/ GreenwayCentre 19thSeptember:H&BCC 21stNovember:Greenway 16thJanuary:H&BCC
YoucangetThe Meadstories straighttoyour emailinbox
Visitthewebsiteat www.themead.organd registeratthebo�omofthe pagewithyouremailaddress. Whenstoriesarenew,youwill bethefirsttoreadthem! Onthewebsiteyoucanalso self-publishyourownstories. Justregisterforanaccount. dovetonpress.co.uk
CAFEDESAMIS @THEGREENWAY CENTRE
OPEN
MONDAY-THURSDAY8-4
FRIDAY8-2
Fab coffee and teas, ice creams and cold drinks to sit in or takeaway. Serving full cafe menu, weekly speicals and sweet treats up to 2pm each day. Meals from £2.50
PIZZA&PASTA
After 2pm Monday to Thursday you can get pizza (£4.50) & pasta (£3) made to order, as well as all our drinks, snacks and sweet treats.
How about booking a Cafe Des Amis Afternoon Tea?
Choice of two fresh loose leaf teas, mini cakes, selection of sandwiches and a glass of fizz* £8 pp.
Follow us on Facebook, and share our July 13th Festival post for the chance to win a afternoon tea for four!**
(*or non alcholic juice **Winners will be contacted on 1st August)
DIDYOUKNOWWEALSO DOCATERING?
CHILDRENSPARTIES MEETINGS/TRAINING
BUSINESSBREAKFAST FANCYATREAT?