The Mead BS10 Issue 74 June 2023

Southmead News & What’s On Issue 74 June 2023 FREE DONATIONS WELCOME

CELEBRATING SUMMER IN SOUTHMEAD ��: ������� ����� ��������� ����������� ������� ��������� ����������� �����

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love festivals. The multi-day camping kind, the food and drink kind, and the one-day-ers like our very own Southmead Festival.

This year the Southmead Festival is on Saturday 8th July – it's for all the family so make sure you've got it in your diary! This year there’s a theme for the Festival – Green!

What does Green mean to you? Do you love wearing green? Are you interested in sustainability? Do you love nature or growing your own food? Anything goes! Whether you’re going to run an activity, sell something, simply come to relax and watch the entertainment, or enjoy

the food, we’re all invited to join in with the Green theme. There’ll be a prize for the best Green themed outfit, so do start planning your look!

You can read more about what’s on at the Festival on page 3, but I’m really delighted to confirm that our headline music act is the one and only, well-loved and local, raised in Southmead, band of brothers, Hooper! I can’t wait!

Bristol is such a fantastic place for summer festivals. I love visiting different ones to see what other communities are up to. I'm planning to go to many of the Bristol Refugee Festival ‘Celebrating Sanctuary’ events in June, and to the big event con�nued on page 2 >

INSIDE P.3 Southmead Fes�val P.4 Water Wonders of the Trym P.5 Celebra�ng Community Ac�on P.6 Southmead’s Singing Stars P.7 Eid Mubarak at The Ranch P.11 Let’s Talk About Death P.13 Esme’s Night of 1000 Musicals P.14 Glencoyne Update P.19 Times, Places & Info

THE MEAD 2 < con�nued from front

with music, stalls and activities down at Queen’s Square on Sunday 25th June.

To Celebrate Sanctuary in Southmead this year there’ll be a Welcome Walk with the Greenway Strollers on Wednesday 14th June, and a dedicated area and performances at the Southmead Festival. This year it’s also the 20th anniversary of the Festival of Nature - from 9th to 18th June there’ll be events at Blaise Castle and Leigh Woods, as well as in the city centre, to honour and enjoy our natural world. There’s lots going on to protect and encourage our natural world in Southmead, read more on pages 4 and 5.

The Southmead Festival team put in every effort not to clash with other festivals, but Bristol is jam packed with summer festivals

every weekend! This year ours is alongside the Bristol Pride festival which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, with a busy schedule from 24th June to 9th July. There’s plenty of time for you to attend Pride events and come to the Southmead Festival though so do come to both!

At the Festival you’ll find me in ‘Conversation Corner’ with my colleague Ella. We need your input on two community initiatives so do come and chill and chat with us. The first is the Southmead Yearly Update for 2023; you may remember the questions in The Mead last year, or perhaps we met you on your doorstep. We’ll be offering you some creative ways to share your thoughts about what you’d like to see happen in Southmead and

asking you a few questions again about what it’s like to live here.

We’ll also be out and about during the summer to chat to people who aren’t at the Festival and the questions will again also be on paper in The Mead August edition.

The other project we want to talk with you about in Conversation Corner is the Community Climate Action Plan for Southmead. You can find out more about this on page 5 and even more when you visit us so do come and share your ideas about what is important to you about the future. If you leave us your contact details, we’ll enter you for a special ‘Conversation Corner’ prize draw.

If you’d like to volunteer to help at the Festival, or to offer an activity, or sell from a stall, there’s still time to get in touch, tel: 0117 950 3335 email: info@southmead.org.

See you there, it’s going to be another fab one!

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WATERHELLO WONDERS HEDGEHOGS! OF THE TRYM ��: ����� �������-����� ����� �� ��� ����

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'm sure we're all enjoying spring as it gives way to summer. So is the natural world.

Birds are working to feed their young with pigeons, crows, great �ts, blue �ts, house sparrows and many others taking food to their nests. In local streams and rivers willow moss and algae are growing fast, shrimps, olive mayflies, caddis flies and damsel flies are ac�ve, and fish (plus o�ers and water voles if they’re around) are feeding hard on the food around them.

On Friday 19th May an ecologist from Bristol Avon Rivers Trust visited to survey the Trym for the Trout in the Trym group, aiming to see if there are water voles present.

Sigh�ngs have been reported and it's worth answering this ques�on as, while they were once common, they are now rare (red listed) in the UK. It's a good �me of year for a survey as the number of voles increases in spring. They will be feeding hard and leaving signs of ea�ng plants and leaving poo.

The river banks were thoroughly surveyed in the Sea Mills area and also in Badock's Wood.

Unfortunately, the findings were clear - no water voles. There was evidence of bank voles and brown rats - but that was it. It is likely that folks have spo�ed the odd individual passing through looking to find a new territory, but none have se�led. It appears the habitat isn’t quite right. A shame but now we know. We're grateful to the Bristol Avon Catchment Partnership for funding the survey.

On the plus side the survey found evidence of o�ers. These will be individuals passing through. They have big territories and visit different areas before moving on.

We may never see them because they’re careful to avoid people and dogs but it's amazing to know they’ve been here. The trout, eels and roach in the Trym will know

that too. In fact, this year there seem to be fewer trout and they are more wary than ever, possibly down to o�er ac�vity.

You may see Trout in the Trym volunteers li�er picking and removing rubbish in the Trym and Hazel Brook.

We do river cleaning sessions on Fridays which you’re welcome to join! Volunteers are also discussing water quality with Wessex Water who have shared their plan to fix the worst Combined Sewer Ou�lows (CSOs) in our area. Other ac�ons to improve water quality are being considered by them too. With cleaner water and no rubbish our streams can become abundant natural pathways linking up other green spaces. By repor�ng suspected pollu�on to Wessex Water and never pu�ng oil,

paint, and wet wipes down the drains or toilets we can all help keep the river clean. Even ge�ng a water bu� we can make a difference. You may have seen the sign at Badock’s Wood as a reminder.

Already our streams look be�er.

As you can see from the photos, a visit to the Trym in Southmead is beau�ful at the moment with wonderful cow parsley flowering all along its banks. This is great for bu�erflies and hoverflies which are valuable pollinators and in need of a helping hand!

Wessex Water: 0345 600 4600 Find out more about Trout in the Trym on their website: www.trou�nthetrym.co.uk or email: trou�nthetrym@gmail.com

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CELEBRATING COMMUNITY ACTION ��: ���� ������� ����� � �������� ������� ��������� ����������� �����

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s we head towards the summer sols�ce (the longest day) on 21st June it feels like the world has been waking up around us again. I’ve been celebra�ng as colour and cri�ers return to my walk to work and my a�ernoons at the allotment. Birds are busy and insects are buzzing. And whilst wild ac�vity has picked up, it’s important to be mindful that the homes of these wonderful creatures are under more and more pressure.

We’re so fortunate here in Southmead to have green spaces, and at the Greenway Centre we embraced No Mow May. In fact, between March and the end of the summer we’ve stopped mowing the edge of the field all the way from the Badock’s Wood kissing gate to the apple trees by the car park.

No Mow May is a na�onal campaign to encourage plants to grow and flower to give food and shelter to a variety of wildlife. I’ve taken a break from my desk each week to wander the grounds and see what’s popped up, coun�ng different plant species – so far, we’ve got 21! Our plan is do this each year and as things flower and set seed, we hope the diversity of plants, flowers and insects will grow. We’ll be carrying on with Let It Bloom June! Small ac�ons can make a big difference when it comes to suppor�ng nature and taking ac�on for the climate.

Speaking of which, I’m really pleased to let everyone know that Southmead Development Trust has been chosen to coproduce a Community Climate Ac�on Plan with Southmead residents.

Coordinated by Bristol Green Capital Partnership

and funded by The Na�onal Lo�ery Community Fund, The Community Climate Ac�on Project is pioneering bold and fair community-led climate ac�on.

Ini�ally through a series of workshops and mentoring sessions we will learn how to put together this type of plan. We’ll be alongside five other Bristol-based community organisa�ons: Knowle West Media Centre, Hillfields Community Garden, Windmill Hill City Farm, Bristol Chari�es, and Bricks Bristol.

They’ll also be producing a plan with their communi�es, and we are all part of the second group in Bristol to make plans, so all of ours will join those made last year in the first phase of the project.

I’m excited that community-led climate ac�on is being championed in Bristol. It means that residents can share their priori�es and ideas for what’s needed in their community as the people who know their communi�es best.

Tackling the climate and ecological crisis

shouldn’t make the challenges we already face worse. It can and should improve people’s quality of life. A climate ac�on plan can help us to tackle other local priori�es too.

Over summer and autumn I’ll be catching up with Southmead residents to discover what we find important and what ideas we all have for the future, so keep a look out for ways to be involved. My first stop will be at Southmead Fes�val where I’ll be working with our Community Development Manager Lucille on the Southmead Yearly Update. We’ll have a survey and ac�vi�es so you can share your thoughts. Find us in Conversa�on Corner – I'm looking forward to hearing what you’ve got to say! If you’d like to find out more about the project, then do get in touch with me. tel: 0117 950 3335 email: ellatainton@southmead.org website: southmead.org/communityclimate-ac�on-plan

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SOUTHMEAD’S SINGING STARS ��: ���� ������ ��������� ����������� ������ ��������� ����������� �����

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was having a chat with two ladies from the Crea�ve Wri�ng Group, Pamela and Sue. It went something like this: “wouldn’t it be good to have a singing group?

Not as serious as a choir just something fun”. So, I saw this as an opportunity.

It turned out Sarah, who is part of our walking group, could play the ukelele. She was up for giving some of her spare �me to a singalong. We arranged a meet up over a cuppa and two weeks later our fun singing group began.

The first week I was a li�le nervous and so were the par�cipants. A few said they couldn’t sing a note at all. I told them this was a fun singing group and it really didn’t ma�er if you were in tune or not. We have a variety of par�cipants - ages range from 26 to 87.

We’ve gone from just a few of

us to about 20 people and we have lots of songs in our repertoire, we have recently added some Eurovision classics!

We had our first gig at the Trust’s Corona�on Event at The Ranch, and everyone loved us. We have more gigs lined up, like the Later Life Fair on page 8, and of course we will be performing at

Southmead Fes�val.

We meet on a Thursday at 2pm in the Greenway Centre café. You get a free cuppa and a great �me!

Even if you don’t want to sing you are welcome to come and listen.

Passersby o�en join in with an odd song or two. Everyone laughs and leaves with a smile on their face and in their hearts.

CELEBRATING COMPASSION ��: ������� ����� ��������� ����������� ������� ��������� ����������� �����

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ne of the ways we are celebra�ng the Bristol Refugee Fes�val 2023 is to invite everyone to join our walking group, Greenway Strollers, for a walk around Southmead’s brilliant Badock’s Wood and back to the Greenway Centre for a community lunch.

Do join us on Wednesday 14th June at 10am. We will set off shortly a�erwards for a stroll through our wonderful nature reserve and then return to the café at Greenway for some tasty lunch�me treats and cuppas.

The theme for this years Bristol Refugee Fes�val is ‘Compassion’. So as we walk and talk we will try to be mindful of how we can show each other compassion and help to keep our communi�es connected with regular gatherings and ac�vi�es.

Walking is also a great way to show ourselves compassion, an

important part of looking a�er our wellbeing. It’s good exercise with �me in nature where we can slow down and take a breath.

Everyone is welcome! Do let me know if you’re coming. tel: 0117 950 3335 email: lucillesmith@southmead.org

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EID PARTY AT THE RANCH

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e were delighted to cohost, with two of our Ranch Mums Swiba and Iman, a celebra�on for Eid this year. The inside of The Ranch was beau�fully decorated

by Rhona from our Community Development team, with lovely homemade banners and some info on what Ramadan is all about.

Swiba and Iman made party bags for the kids, along with homemade Eid biscuits and yummy hibiscus drinks. We played Sudanese music and had the wonderful Henna Ar�st Naz decora�ng our hands. We saw plenty of old and new faces come together and celebrate.

Swiba said, “It made me feel more involved and welcome in the community and more supported in my local area. For our kids it helped them not feel so homesick and more at home in Southmead. In Sudan at the moment this Eid was not celebrated due to the war, and we were so worried about our families there. This celebra�on at The Ranch helped us come together and forget our worries for a moment.”

Huge thank you to Swiba and Iman from all of us for all you do at The Ranch, we couldn’t do it without you.

If you’d like to volunteer at our play sessions which run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 3:30 – 5:30pm, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Alex. telephone: 0117 950 3335 or email: alexbenne�@southmead.org

To find out more about what we do go to our website page: southmead.org – youth & play Follow us on Facebook at: Southmead Adventure Playground

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CELEBRATING LATER LIFE ��: ������� ����� ��������� ����������� ������� ��������� ����������� �����

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art of my job is funded by St Monica Trust to do community development projects with people over 50 across North Bristol. I have been fortunate enough to make some new links with other organisa�ons in the area working with older people.

Bristol Demen�a Ac�on Alliance (BDAA) hold Happy Days Memory Café on the first Friday of the month, 2pm-4pm at Westbury Bap�st Church. I went along to introduce myself and see what goes on. I was treated to a seated exercise session, plenty of tea, cake and good conversa�on. It was clear that this was such an important resource for the people who a�end, people with demen�a, and their loved ones. Wouldn’t it be great to have something like this in Southmead?

There is a Later Life Summer Fair in Henleaze on the 14th July, 1-4pm.

Alongside our Greenway Singers, who will be performing their third gig of the fes�val season, there will be Zumba, entertainment and ac�vi�es, informa�on stalls, tombola and, of course, tea and cake. There will also be compe��ons which you can prepare for in advance. For more informa�on, if you would like to offer something, or volunteer, please contact Lisa or Amy, their contact details are on the advert opposite.

As part of the Celebra�ng Age Fes�val in October there is going to be a talent contest at St Peter’s Church Hall in Henleaze. I will have more informa�on nearer the �me but dust off your tap shoes, your harmonica or your magic set and get prac�sing! If you want to see what you may be up against, check out St Peter’s Café Create occasional open mike evenings. See www.stpetershenleaze.org for dates.

Do you have an idea for a group or event for older people?

I’d love to hear about it! tel: 0117 950 3335 email: lucillesmith@southmead.org

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN! In this edi�on we’re really happy to share lots of opportuni�es to learn new skills and gain new qualifica�ons.

On the next page you’ll see our new Techy Tea Party where you can learn how to use mobile phones, laptops and tablets, and how to connect safely.

On page 17 you will find details about free Wellbeing Workshops run by Second Step where you can learn techniques to look a�er your mental health and wellbeing.

There’s also the opportunity to get a degree. The University of Bristol shares details of a part-�me BA in English Literature and Community Engagement.

Perfect for adult learners and no prior qualifica�ons needed!

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LET’S TALK ABOUT DEATH ��: ������ ����� ���������� ������� ��������� ������� ��������� ����������� �����

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oin us to talk about the inevitable – the one thing we’ll all have in common – death.

It’s not a bereavement or grief support group, but an open, group-directed discussion space to explore all the elements of this fascina�ng topic.

We’re next mee�ng on Wednesday 28th June, 4:30-6pm, at the Greenway Centre in Community Corner. Everyone’s welcome and there’s no need to book, just turn up. We’ll be sharing cuppas and cake for which dona�ons would be welcome.

Here at the Southmead Development Trust we work with a community development approach – we listen to what residents would like to happen and support them to find ways to achieve it.

The idea for a Death Café has come from residents and was put forward in the last ‘Living in Southmead Update’. We looked into possibili�es and connected with the interna�onal Death Café who suggest the aim of a Death Café is ‘to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives’.

We don’t get a lot of prac�ce talking about and dealing with death and dying. Discussing these things helps us to normalise them and live life be�er, more richly, and with purpose and more meaning.

People can o�en leave feeling more empowered and free.

Central principles of Death Cafés are that they are accessible, safe, respec�ul and confiden�al, and that there is no inten�on of leading people to certain conclusions or ac�ons. And, importantly, that the discussion includes refreshing drinks and nourishing food!

If you’d like to find out a li�le more please contact me. tel: 0117 950 3335 email: simonedavis@southmead.org

Community Corner is our free space for community groups.

We host 11 regular groups throughout the week, in the day �me. You can see what’s on offer on the opposite page.

If you need space to hold a group or event do get in touch!

There is lots of space in the evenings and at weekends. tel: 0117 950 3335 email: lucillesmith@southmead.org

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CELEBRATING SKILLS ��: ����� ���� �������� � ����� ������’� ������ ����������� ������� ��������� ����������� �����

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e’d like to introduce you to Charlie who we know through Link Forward, our Social Prescribing service for young people aged 7-12. It’s the only service of its kind in Bristol. We work closely with schools and GP surgeries to offer invaluable support to young people with their mental health and wellbeing.

We believe it’s important to encourage the skills, hobbies and interests which our young people tell us about. Due to our strong partnerships in the community and our team’s exper�se we can offer groups for young people to explore new interests, make new friends, and build confidence, like the Wellbeing Arts group which Charlie a�ends. Resilience Lab is a real highlight where we use crea�vity and play to explore emo�ons building the skills to ��: ������ ������� ��������� ���������

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ince Southmead Library moved to its new Greystoke Avenue loca�on, the social and skills groups like Reading Aloud and Knit and Na�er have been missing.

But now there’s great news. The library Knit and Na�er group has restarted on Wednesday mornings 11am-12pm. There’s no need to bring any equipment or wool as it’s all ready and wai�ng for you,

cope with stress, and feel more confident. We can also support parents and carers with paren�ng support groups and informa�on drop-ins. Last year we ran more than 230 sessions.

Our in-house Youth and Play team at The Ranch is also an important connec�on. The Ranch provides a safe, social space for many of our young people when they finish their sessions with us.

To find out more about Link Forward visit our website southmead.org/wellbeing/linkforward Read about Charlie’s hobby next. ��: �������

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y earliest memory of collec�ng, I was 3 or 4, for my birthday my Nan got me an ancient Chinese Buddhist amulet. I was fascinated by it because I have always been interested in ancient history. I surprised to find that I could buy artefacts! I was 6 years old at the �me and my collec�on

together with biscuits and tea.

There are various sewing projects planned, and do come and share the project you are already working on.

If crochet is your chosen skill there’s an expert in the Wednesday library team ready to support and share her skills.

I’ve enjoyed my mornings kni�ng and discovered how therapeu�c and beneficial kni�ng can be for exercising your fingers and wrists - anything to stave off arthri�s! The Library is a lovely and peaceful place so do come and join us. Just drop in!

has grown since then.

Last Christmas I got a figure of an ancient Mayan tomb a�endant with some of its original paint. The tomb was sealed with clay so no bacteria could get in and out.

Another favourite is my Egyp�an shab� figures I have always been fascinated by ancient Egypt and it was so nice to get my first piece from that �me. I want to be an Egyptologist when I grow up. I keep my pieces in a large cabinet in my room - away from the cat!

I have made some of my own figures in the Wellbeing Arts clay group. Both art and history help me to feel inspired. I choose pieces because I see a connec�on between them and us. Even though we live in different �mes we can understand what they have gone through.

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ESME’S NIGHT OF 1000 MUSICALS

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'm one of Bristol's youngest drag acts. I was born and raised in Southmead and I’m now aged 14.

I’ve been doing drag for roughly three years. Esme came around in lockdown when I was experimen�ng with makeup, and

ever since then I have been exploring drag and the Bristol scene.

Drag to me is an art form which explores gender. It has helped me find amazing people in Bristol, and many more amazing drag queens and kings around the globe. It’s important to me as it’s opened many doors and acts

like a therapy for me. With my drag I hope to inspire other children to express themselves… it’s my dream to perform around Bristol and even places across the UK! I’ve put together my own show with some amazing drag acts. We’ll be at Southmead Community Centre on Friday 4th August. Are you ready to have the �me of your lives and release your inner dancing queen? We can’t wait for you to see our wicked performances from our ABBA-lutely amazing cast!

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GLENCOYNE HOUSING PLAN TWEAKS Previously approved scheme

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e’ve been working hard over the last few months on different aspects of the housing project for Glencoyne Square. We’ve submi�ed some slightly revised plans to respond to comments raised by the Council’s Design, Ecology and Highways teams.

There have been no major changes to the scheme since June 2022, but the latest revisions to the plans are: the courtyards to become shared amenity spaces for residents, with na�ve plan�ng and trees to increase biodiversity; removing nine car parking spaces in each courtyard; allowing for Car Club spaces in the future, and a delivery drop-off space for the nonresiden�al ground floor spaces; Air Source Heat Pump units to go on the roof to supply renewable energy to the homes, with space for poten�al solar panels.

These changes to the plan are open for your feedback. You can share your thoughts by going to the Council’s planning portal and entering this reference: 22/03309/F. We hope to receive a decision on the updated plans from the Council’s planning commi�ee later this month.

We’re also planning some preconstruc�on work on Glencoyne Square to deal with a small area of contamina�on, and to divert a sewer which runs across the site.

This will involve pu�ng a new sewer into the road and the temporary closure of a small area next to the Health Centre. The old sewer across the park area will be taken out so there’ll also be a temporary closure during that piece of work – dates to follow.

The idea to u�lise Glencoyne Square came a�er the Southmead Community Survey and Plan in 2015 where residents iden�fied the need for smaller homes to be available to downsize to or start out from. You may remember the resident consulta�on process and workshops, and the forming of the Glencoyne Square Community-led Housing Project resident-led steering group.

You can visit the community-led

View looking north, up Arnside Road to Glencoyne Square

Proposed scheme Previously approved scheme

Updated scheme

View looking south, down Arnside Road from Glencoyne Square

housing pages on our website for the full story and background informa�on (address below).

Meanwhile keep reading The Mead magazine where we’ll share any updates and also, if you have email, sign up for the email bulle�n to keep even more up to date with Southmead news – go to website themead.org and add your email address.

If you have any ques�ons or want to find out more about Southmead’s pioneering community-led housing scheme, do get in touch with the Glencoyne project team. email: info@southmead.org website: southmead.org/housing (you can also scan the QR code with a smartphone) tel: 0117 950 3335

The Glencoyne Square Communityled Housing Project residents steering group is made up of residents and Trustees of Southmead Development Trust, who are volunteers. This is to ensure decisions made about the project are taken by those who know and care about our community.

On the next page you can meet one of our newest Trustees John. He talks about his experience of volunteering and why he does it. You can also find out more about how to volunteer with us.

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VOLUNTEERING IN SOUTHMEAD ��: ���� ������ ������� ��������� ����������� �����

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have only recently moved to Southmead and have found it very welcoming. The community is well established with lots of people involved and helping their neighbours.

I have always been a supporter of working together co-opera�vely. In this way we can do so much more than we can as individuals.

Different people have different skills to share and together we can be a thriving community.

Southmead Development Trust provides an opportunity for that.

I am re�red now which means that I have much more �me to help out and repay some of the benefits that I have gained over the years. Volunteering is also a very good way of finding out what is going on in the area.

Talking to a range of people and finding out what is available and what needs to be improved is interes�ng and mo�va�ng.

Mee�ng with enthusias�c people is upli�ing too. I would recommend volunteering for anyone who has some spare �me that they can donate. The return is well worth it!

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olunteering is a great way of giving something back, as John says, but it’s also valuable work experience. I volunteered with the Neighbours Connect Southmead then I decided to make a career change - this job!

We’ve got 1-1 and group opportuni�es. You can volunteer on a regular basis or at one off events. There are lots of op�ons. We provide ongoing training and support, and would love to hear how you’d like to be involved. Do get in touch with me. tel: 0117 950 3335 email: alexbenne�@southmead.org

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CELEBRATING SOUTHMEAD SUCCESS B�: S������� R������

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’m celebra�ng my new job as a consultant for Southmead’s Slimming World a�er my own slimming success story. My fellow Southmead Consultant Nicola and I would love to meet you - do drop by to our stall at the Fes�val so we can give you a free goody bag.

I’m delighted to now be running our Tuesday sessions a�er being so thrilled with my Slimming World journey. I’ve lost 7st 6lbs in the last eighteen months and feel so passionate about my experience that I’ve set up my own micro-business to help, support and inspire as many other people as possible.

I know first-hand the challenges people face, which is why, along with the group, I’ll be suppor�ng each of my members all the way to their chosen target weight. Se�ng targets, sharing recipes and ideas, and working together as a group to overcome challenges and to celebrate milestones is so important to the experience.

It isn’t just about changing what you eat. Becoming more ac�ve is important too. Our Body Magic programme takes the fear out of ac�vity by showing people, many of whom have unpleasant memories of being forced to take part in ac�vity at school, how they can build ac�vity into their daily rou�ne. You don’t have to take up tradi�onal forms of exercise like going to the gym or running.

Everything counts. From walking and gardening to washing the car.

Personally, I love going to the gym, doing fitness classes and walking to get my Body Magic!

For me becoming a self-employed franchisee was a great idea. I wanted a job that was well paid, flexible, and could fit around my busy family life. I wanted to avoid a regular ‘nine-to-five’ rou�ne, so launching my own

Slimming World group was ideal. I feel like I’ve got an energising brand new career and I’m absolutely loving running my groups.

It’s now my job to create the warm and suppor�ve atmosphere that I found so inspiring at Nicola’s sessions, and to get people sharing their ideas and experiences to help each other. It’s such a lot of fun and everyone is welcome, so do come and try us out.

ly slimmingg- frboliend spa Contact your local Slimming World Consultant and join a friendly and super-supportive group today!

Mondays with Nicola

9am & 10:30am Fridays with Nicola 9:30am & 11am Contact Nicola, tel: 07873818193 Tuesdays with Sam 5:30pm & 7pm Contact Sam, tel: 07561412798 at the Greenway Centre, Southmead, BS10 5HZ

slimmingworld.co.uk

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Free

Wellbeing Workshops

Bristol Wellbeing College for anyone 18+

Email bristol.wellbeing.college@secondstep.co.uk

Improve your wellbeing

www.second-step.co.uk/wellbeing-colleges/bristolwellbeing-college

PART-TIME DEGREE Apply now for our part-time BA in English Literature and Community Engagement to start in September 2023.

Gain a University of Bristol degree as an adult learner Study alongside work or other commitments Attend in-person classes one night a week Learn with a diverse group of students Study literatures in English from across the globe and throughout history.

Prior qualifications not required

English Literature and Community Engagement Tel +44 (0)117 4284598 Email elce-ptp-director@bristol.ac.uk

bristol.ac.uk/elce

Call 0117 914 5498

Book ! e r e h

Activities

Soft play, lots of toys, craft activity, song time, drinks and snacks.

Toddler Group Only er £1 p ly fami

Time + place

Thursdays (term time only) 10am-11:15am At The Ranch, Doncaster Road, Southmead, BS15 5PP Join us with your preschoolers for playtime, fun together, friendly chat, support and a warm welcome.

There’s more

Opportunities to join in with other family friendly events at The Community Church including Christmas and Easter activities.

Get in touch

For more information, contact admin@thecommunitychurch.net Join our ‘closed’ Facebook group – search for ‘Southmead Stars’

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TIMES, PLACES & INFO ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH FRIENDSHIP CAFE

NEXT BS10 PARKS & PLANNING MEETINGS

NEXT INCLUSION SOUTHMEAD MEETING

10am - 12pm Wednesdays (term-�me)

6 - 7:30pm

11am - 1pm Thursday 8th June Thursday 13th July

BABY & TODDLER GROUP 9:30 - 11am Mondays

Monday 12th June Greenway Centre Monday 10th July Henbury & Brentry CH

Lanercost Centre For info, contact Deana tel: 07790 426 609

For info tel: 0117 959 1250

For info, contact Mike tel: 07875 126 321

NEXT TEAM SOUTHMEAD MEETINGS

SOUTHMEAD LIBRARY OPENING TIMES

PENTECOSTAL COFFEE MORNING

Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11am to 5pm Wednesday: 11am to 5pm Thursday: Closed Friday: 1pm to 5pm Saturday: 11am to 5pm Sunday: Closed

10:30 - 11:30am Mondays Pentecostal Holiness For info, contact: 0117 987 1327

11am - 1pm Tuesday 27th June Tuesday 25th July St Stephen’s Church For info, contact Deana tel: 07790 426 609

Join us for a cuppa, company and a chat. All welcome!

DID YOU KNOW? YOU COULD READ THE MEAD EVERY WEEK The printed Mead is delivered every other month but you can read a whole range of news stories and event announcements online, at any �me.

You can subscribe to The Mead newsle�er and each week you will get an email with the latest updates.

Visit www.themead.org to subscribe. Or you can use your smartphone to scan this QR code to take you straight to the website.

YOU COULD HELP DELIVER THE MEAD We want The Mead to reach as many people as possible. Can you help get it to a community building or door-to-door on your street?

Get in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator Alex

THE MEAD IS COMPLETELY RECYCLABLE We’ve also stopped using staples to avoid unnecessary waste.

So, once you’ve finished reading (and thoroughly enjoying!) your magazine, the best thing to do is pop it in your black recycling box.

tel: 0117 950 3335 email: alexbenne�@ southmead.org

THE NEXT SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR CONTENT FOR THE MEAD IS: Friday 7th July 2023 for the August/September edi�on Southmead Development Trust proudly sponsors The Mead.

Contact us by email: themead@southmead.org or tel: 0117 950 3335

www.dovetonpress.co.uk dovetonpress.co.uk

THE MEAD 20