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Southmead News & What’s On Issue 77 December 2023 FREE DONATIONS WELCOME

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visits Greenway feels comfortable and unashamed of what they know, and what they would like to know more hen world events seem about; to be able to share strong overwhelming, it’s easy to views, or even anger about something, think there’s nothing we can do to help in a safe and respec�ul way. but watch the news in despair. But When we ask people why they here in our community, I’ve been come to Greenway we hear, “I feel having conversa�ons about just how safe”, “It’s friendly”, “I feel welcome important it is to keep talking with each here”, and we take great heart from other about how we feel and what we this, to be able provide a space where believe, as a star�ng point for mutual everyone is valued and heard. understanding and taking ac�on. I know that some people see Understanding can come from Greenway as a place of sanctuary, difference; and difference o�en means where they can get a cup of tea and conflict or disagreement. But we know see a friendly face, whoever they are, that disagreement is OK when it’s wherever they’ve come from, and based on trust and respec�ul whatever they believe. There is always interac�ons - the way we disagree someone to talk to and our daily where all of us are open to learning groups in Community Corner have and to recognising our own limits in sharing a hot drink and companionship experience and knowledge. at their core. con�nued on page 2 > It’s our aim that everyone who

INSIDE P.3 Holidays at The Ranch P.4 Parents & Carers dates P.5 Smile for the Planet P.6 Trym Surprise! P.8 ‘My Community’ P.9 DFG is back with a Disco P.10 Fashion at Greenway Love a Li�er Pick? P.11 A gi� from our Gym P.12 Full Swing for Fun Job Ad Walk & Talk P.13 Free Groups at Greenway P.14 Knit & S�tch Returns P.15 Times, Places & Info P.16 Dates from Bristol Waste

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One conversa�on at a �me, the work we do at Greenway takes us closer to peace and understanding, and to work out what kind of ac�on we’d all like to take. Residents have voiced that they would like

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ristol North West is made up of a number of historic villages and newer communi�es, each with its own iden�ty, charm and local concerns. That's why Darren Jones MP has launched a new campaign, called ‘It Takes A Village’, to discuss each village and community individually, and the local issues that ma�er to you. The Southmead Village Mee�ng will be held at 7:00pm-8:30pm on

to create the opportunity for us to all come together for posi�ve ac�vity in the face of the constant stream of frightening things in the news. We are now in the very early stages of planning something, if you have any ideas or would like to be involved, please contact me.

We can’t control interna�onal rela�ons, but we can control how we handle things, and we can raise our kids to be kind. You know the saying ‘what you focus on grows’? Let’s keep focusing on staying openhearted in our community and taking posi�ve ac�on together. email: lucillesmith@southmead.org tel: 0117 950 3335

Thursday, 22nd February (the venue will be shared with a�endees prior to the event). To RSVP for the Village Mee�ng, or to contribute your views to the online survey, please visit website: darren-jones.co.uk/ villages or call his office on tel: 0117 959 6545. The ‘It takes a village’ campaign follows on from a Cons�tuency Assembly that Darren held last year, in which 50

cons�tuents from across Bristol North West were selected to take part based on area, age, gender, race and other demographics to reflect the cons�tuency as a whole. The Cons�tuency Assembly revealed dis�nct differences in how people from different areas in Bristol North West feel about where they live and what changes would make the biggest difference to them. There’s a highlights video about the Cons�tuency Assembly on Darren’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/darrenjonesmp. Please come and share your views on Southmead!

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SINGLE PARENTS FAIR THANKS ��

At the Single Parents Fair last month, I was sharing info about Sepsis, something all parents need to know about. I want to say this event just gets be�er and be�er. There’s so many free things to do - the bouncy castle, toys, face pain�ng, family portraits, images cleverly drawn by Dreamago, animal and sword balloon making by Dave and James, and all so good. Best of all was the room where children could choose a Christmas present, in secret, for their parent, how lovely is that! I would like to thank everyone for all their hard work, year a�er year.

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I wanted to say thanks so much to all helpers and volunteers for coming to the Single Parent Fair and giving so much of yourselves. A lot of people felt that their specific needs of being a single parent were really well thought through, and were touched by the kindness and friendliness of all involved. 122 adults registered on the day, and, including children, in total there were 283 plus people. We feel it was one of our best fairs yet, not just because of the numbers but due to the tangible sense of joy and peace, the themes of the banners. There has been lots of amazing feedback and people being really touched. Next year’s date is 9th Dec 2024 so please put that in your calendars!

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“SMILE FOR A POSITIVE PLANET” ��

he young people of Southmead have so many great ideas. We’ve been talking to them to feed into Southmead’s Community Climate Ac�on Plan; we wanted to hear their ideas for a climate and nature friendly future for Southmead. Featuring the voices of our young people is important. They o�en go under-heard, but with a full life ahead of them they are a vital part of pu�ng Southmead’s co-produced plan together. Thank you to Andrew, who is a volunteer on our project. He is also a primary school teacher and has now run climate workshops at Badock’s Wood and Li�le Mead primaries to capture some of the youngest voices in our community. Andrew told us: “A�er an assembly where I introduced the project, the children at both schools discussed in small groups about what we want our ‘Future Southmead’ to be like on the themes of Food, Transport, Energy, Waste, and our Natural World. They were bubbling with brilliant ideas, and I was so impressed with the understanding and care for Southmead that even some of the youngest children had. They were a real credit to their families and teachers. Quite a few were keen to make sure that Southmead was li�er free, had more bins, and was kept clean for people’s safety. Growing fruit and vegetables was a popular idea, and so was having more solar panels. Many young people loved being outside, by the river in the woods, and wanted to see more plants in the area. One young person said they were ‘happiest in the wild’ which I loved. The sessions were fun and hopeful.”

Thanks to Pat Sco�, Pastoral and Eco Lead at Li�le Mead, for the support and photos.

I’ve also been out and about “Smile for a posi�ve planet.” visi�ng community groups, hos�ng Like Andrew, I was impressed by pop ups, and sharing a survey. I had a everyone’s ideas and interest in great �me cha�ng to young people at crea�ng a shared piece of art, and it The Ranch where in October I ran made me hopeful for the future. two cra� workshops. Are you interested in sharing your In our first ideas for the Community Climate workshop we painted Ac�on Plan? You can s�ll take part! wooden hexagons, I will be gathering thoughts un�l which will slot the end of January, so do get in touch. together to make email: ellatainton@southmead.org a big piece of tel: 0117 950 3335 artwork. We were discussing what we love about nature and what we’d like to do for nature in Southmead. In our second workshop we made a bike wheel chandelier. All the materials, including the bike wheel, were waste materials des�ned for a bin or recycling box. We were answering the ques�on ‘what could we do to be kinder to the planet?’, wri�ng thoughts on scraps and a�aching them to the wheel. I have to admit I’m someone who can get bogged down with the sheer size of the climate problem, and everyone’s energy brought me joy. One of my favourite Hexag contribu�ons was the quote: on a rt at T h

e Ran

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FISH IN THE TRYM �� -��

n early October a shoal of fish (about 15 of them, 3 to 5 cm long) was seen in the river Trym in Southmead, near Trowbridge Road, by a volunteer li�er picking, amazing! They were most likely three-spined s�cklebacks, which are really interes�ng li�le creatures because the males make nests. Also spo�ed are olive mayflies, and freshwater shrimps - now fish – seen in the stream in the middle of Southmead. Eels are some�mes seen in the river in Badock's Wood too (sadly very rare now, we're lucky to have any), but nature really is doing its best to cling on even in the city! Having a local stream greatly helps the biodiversity in our patch, and more ac�vity with local volunteers is in the pipeline to look a�er the Trym and Hazel Brook rivers (further updates to follow). Meanwhile if you can take a walk along the stream, it’s proven that �me in nature, especially by water, is good for our mental health and emo�onal wellbeing. There are

waterside paths from Southmead into Badock's Wood, plus several star�ng at Coombe Dingle and Henbury. Trout in the Trym volunteers have now passed the milestone of 200 tonnes of rubbish gone - a�er more than four years of river cleans. There is now less microplas�cs and other pollu�on in the river as the metal, motorbikes, and carpets etc. have been taken out. It also looks nicer. This and pulling up Himalayan Balsam (a non-na�ve invasive plant which upsets the ecology) is helping the wildlife. Another thing which helps the rivers is using water bu�s and soaker hoses. On houses built before about 1970, the gu�ers feed into the main drain from the property so that when it rains heavily affected sewers flow into the nearest river so that houses

aren't flooded. This happened almost 600 �mes last year into the river Trym which is awful. We need Wessex Water to improve their infrastructure, but we can also help by ge�ng our own water bu�s. These divert rain from our roofs, slowing the flow, to help the river. Rainwater is also good for our plants. A local community group - Save Water to Save the Trym! - is offering advice, a local expert to do the installa�on, and even (if you'll struggle to pay) help with the costs. You can find Save Water to Save the Trym on Facebook if you use it. If you're reasonably fit and would like to volunteer to help us, do get in touch, email: trou�nthetrym@gmail.com Image: three-spined s�ckleback ©Jack Perks

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ROBIN’S IN THE HOOD SOUTHMEAD! ��

he Southmead Players are a new Community Theatre group founded by me and supported by the Southmead Development Trust at the Greenway Centre. The Trust has kindly given us space to rehearse since September, and this has introduced new people to the Greenway Centre and allowed the produc�on to operate right in the heart of the community - it’s a panto by residents for the community. Our version of Robin Hood is full of humour, and it has some musical numbers that have been reconstructed to work with our show – the story in a fun and original way that the whole family can enjoy. It’s Robin Hood with a twist, with a Sheriff of No�ngham take-over! There will also be audience interac�on so everyone can join in. So come and join us on Saturday 20th January 2024, at 12pm, on the Main Hall stage at the Greenway Centre. We would love to know how many people are coming and so you can book your �cket on Eventbrite if you have digital access. You just need to go to the Eventbrite website which is www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for ‘Robin Hood Pantomine’, the �ckets are free of charge. If you don’t use the internet, you can let us know you are coming by leaving a message for Eve, Community Development Worker at the Greenway Centre, please add your name and telephone number to the message. We are also recrui�ng Merry Men and Merry Women as extras with minimal lines. If you are interested in being an extra, or if you have any general ques�ons please get in touch. email: kris�anbaxtersouthmead players@gmail.com, or evepayne@southmead.org, tel: 0117 950 3335. Our thanks to UWE Drama and UWE Drama Society for their help in promo�ng us during the cas�ng process. Thanks to everyone at the Greenway Centre for their support. Introducing the Cast and Crew . . .

Robin Hood - Charlie Ekpalob Lady Marion - Lily Majid The Dame - Nick Pearce The Sheriff of No�ngham - Sarahanne Marsh-Brewer Dennis, the Sheriff's Henchman Kris�an Baxter

Alan-a-Dale/Rabbit - Skye Collaco� Williamson Fryer Tuck - Sharon Dudbridge Lead Sound and Ligh�ng Technician James Kelley Directors - Kris�an Baxter and Lily Majid.

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NEW DISABILITY FRIENDSHIP GROUP �� ome of you may remember the Disability Friendship Group that used to meet at the Southmead Youth Centre on a Wednesday night (affec�onately known as “Wednesday night”). The good news is that the group is being resurrected! I am a former Wednesday night member and I am star�ng a group, called the Horizon Disability Friendship Group, also on a Wednesday evening. The group will meet weekly at the Greenway Centre, from 6pm to 8pm. It is for adults with a learning or physical disability and their friends and family. The first mee�ng will be a Christmas Disco on Wednesday 13th December, 6pm – 8pm. The group are hoping to offer a variety of ac�vi�es for all ages and abili�es, including board games, games consoles, arts and cra�s, music and dance, occasional social ou�ngs, and educa�onal workshops. The group will be led by experienced and caring volunteers who are commi�ed to crea�ng a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. We believe that everyone deserves to have the opportunity to par�cipate in ac�vi�es that they enjoy, regardless of their disability. That's why we offer a variety of ac�vi�es that are accessible to people with all types of disabili�es. If you're interested in joining our group, please come along to the Disco on Wednesday 13th of December. We would be happy to answer any ques�ons you may have and sign you up. Membership will be necessary as the group is not a drop-in. The membership subscrip�on will be £1 per week to

A members only club for adults with learning and physical disabilities

Weekly from Wednesday 13th December 2023 6-8pm Greenway Centre Southmead, BS10 5PY

Then: 20th December, 3rd January, 10th January, and ongoing . . . £1 weekly cost Horizon Disability Friendship Group will provide a safe space for adults with physical disabilities, and those with cognitive and sensory impairment, to make new friends, enjoy social activities and develop new skills.

SUPPORTED BY

contact Lewis, email: horizondfg23@gmail.com, tel: 07707 339 929

be paid on the night. Some of the benefits of joining the Horizon Disability Friendship Group will be: mee�ng new friends who understand what you are going through; learning new skills and the opportunity to develop your talents; having fun and making memories that will last a life�me; helping you to feel supported and empowered. We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday December 13th, at

6pm, at the Greenway Centre Doncaster Road, Southmead, Bristol, BS10 5PY. If you have any ques�ons, please contact me, and I will be happy to help, email: HorizonDFG23@gmail.com, tel: 07707 339 929 Thank you to my fellow volunteer Steve, for all his help and support, pictured in the hat, with me on the le� here. We’re looking for more volunteers to help out so please let us know if you can join us. DATES: Wednesday 13th December, then 3rd January, 10th January, and ongoing.

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FOLLOW FASHION AT GREENWAY ��: ��

t Greenway we take a huge amount of pride in showcasing new businesses and groups. So, when Bristol Fashion Choir got in touch with me to enquire about available rehearsal space, I simply had to 'hear' more. A�er arranging two trial evenings in our Main Hall, I was over the moon to secure this fantas�c, long-term booking. It's wonderful to hear the choir rehearsing on a Thursday evening and this adds to an already vibrant Centre. Here’s an intro to the Choir from leader Janis Smith:

“Bristol Fashion Choir is a group of 45 people who love singing a Cappella. We formed in 1977 and have been mee�ng ever since to rehearse every Thursday evening. We take part in music fes�vals, put on shows, and compete in an annual compe��on and currently hold 7th place na�onally. We recently decided we needed a bigger space to rehearse in and luckily found the Greenway Centre, which gave us an area with great acous�cs and, even be�er, a cupboard to store our risers in (staging steps to stand on). So a�er a couple of trial rehearsals, we were ready to ‘move into’ our new home. We are always looking for new members! If you like singing in harmony, stop by and have a listen and talk to us about what we do. and the audi�on process. We will be having ‘open evenings’ next year for people to drop in and have a listen and perhaps even joining the chorus.” If you are a group or business looking for space to work, rehearse or host a mee�ng, then please do get in touch with me, email: marklemon@southmead.org, tel: 0117 950 3335

GOTTA LOVE A LITTER PICK?

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think most of us agree that our parks, streets, and outside areas look and feel be�er when they are free of rubbish. That is what we hear from Southmead’s Community Climate Ac�on Plan and Mencap’s My Community Bristol ac�on group. And that is why we thought it would be good to set up �mes for people to meet and li�er pick together. We will be having a li�er pick on Tuesday 30th January 2024, 12 – 2 pm, mee�ng at Greenway Centre recep�on, all equipment provided. We will think about varying days and �mes so most people who want to can come along.

If you are not able to a�end arranged li�er picks but would s�ll like to get involved, then we have li�er picking equipment free to use. If you ask one of our friendly Front of House team here at Greenway, they can loan you picks and give you bags to use. Any designated Bristol waste green bags which are filled can be le� by a street bin or bus stop to be collected. Maybe you have ten minutes spare during your lunch break, or you could fit it into your dog walk? If you have any ques�ons or would like to chat more about this, please contact me, email: evepayne@southmead.org, tel: 0117 950 3335. (above from le�, my colleagues Sam, Amy, and me on a beau�ful day at Greenway).

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FULL SWING FOR FUN & HEALTH ��

ur Social Badminton sessions are in full swing. ‘Social’ means we do not play to keep scores or to win matches. Instead, we just aim to hit the shu�lecock as many �mes as possible. We feel the stress in winning or the disappointment in losing, happily,doesn’t exist in our sessions. We started the group in October and a�er only three weeks we began to witness everyone’s skills improving, and confidence growing, in our friendly, encouraging, and welcoming space.

We meet every Monday from 12 – 1pm in the Main Hall at the Greenway Centre, for only £3 per session to cover our hall hire fee, which you pay at recep�on. We have Badminton racquets and shu�lecocks. However, you’re welcome to bring your own. I’ve loved se�ng up this group and helping residents to be gently ac�ve. Badminton is perfect for general fitness and for improving the rela�onship between our hands and eyes, while keeping us warm during the winter months.

As a Wellbeing Coach, I can also support you with food habits as well as how to move more. I do this in a way which suits your current commitments and lifestyle. If you’d like to meet me for one-to-one sessions, just ask your GP or Social Prescriber to refer you to me.

Social Badminton with David Mondays, 12-1pm Greenway Centre price: £3

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Bristol Carriage Masters

- Religious or non-religious funerals - Bespoke funerals for burial or cremation - Fully guaranteed pre-paid funeral plans - Direct cremations

177 Crow Lane, Henbury, Bristol, BS10 7DR Telephone: 0117 950 8066 Website: www.bcm- funerals.co.uk Email: admin@bcm- funerals.co.uk

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KNIT & STITCH RETURNS! ��: ��

We are trying to re-establish Knit and S�tch at Southmead Library, Southmead House, on Saturday a�ernoons, 2-4pm, star�ng Saturday 20th January. All welcome, tea and biscuits and kni�ng equipment supplied, and plenty of help available to get started. There will also be sewing and crochet ac�vi�es too, please give it a try. We lost our original Saturday Knit and Sewing session when the library moved, and the group is

currently spread around Southmead and surrounding areas in various guises. Southmead has a strong Knit and Na�er group at the Greenway Centre on Friday mornings. Pictured is a group on Thursdays, 10am-12pm, in Westbury on Trym Methodist church foyer. Do reach out and support us, and your library, to reestablish the previously very ac�ve Saturday a�ernoon Knit and S�tch group, just turn up, even if you just want to chat. For more info email: antheamustard@gmail.com

ly slimming-mfrasiealnda tikka

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

DEC

Meet us at Greenway Centre, Southmead, BS10 5PY Mondays 9:00 - 10:30am Tuesdays 17:30 - 19:00pm Fridays 9:30 - 11:00am Contact Nicola on 07873 818 193 for more details slimmingworld.co.uk #YesYouCanWithSlimmingWorld

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TIMES, PLACES & INFO 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 - 12:30am Mondays Pentecostal Holiness For info, contact: 0117 987 1327 Join us for a cuppa, company and a chat. All welcome!

Next Inclusion Southmead Mee�ng

St Stephen’s Church Friendship Cafe

Knit & S�tch at Southmead Library

10am - 12pm Wednesdays

2 - 4pm Saturdays

BABY & TODDLER GROUP 9:30 - 11am Mondays (term-�me only)

From 20th January

11am - 1pm Thursday 11th January Lanercost Centre For info, contact Deana tel: 07790 426 609

Next Team Southmead Mee�ngs 11am - 1pm Tuesday 30th January St Stephen’s Church For info, contact Deana tel: 07790 426 609

Southmead House For info, contact Anthea email: antheamustard@gmail.com

For info tel: 0117 959 1250

DID YOU KNOW? You can receive updates to your inbox Don’t wait for the printed version, have updates sent to your email inbox. Subscribe to The Mead online and if there’s anything new we’ll send it on a Friday. 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

The Mead is recylable

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?

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

Get in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator Alex tel: 0117 950 3335 email: alexbenne�@southmead.org

PS. We’ve put the staples back in a�er your feedback. Thank you, we love feedback!

Southmead Development Trust at www.southmead.org proudly sponsors The Mead. Contact us by email: themead@southmead.org, or tel: 0117 950 3335. To find out when the next edi�on is due and the deadline for contribu�ons, visit the The Mead website: www.themead.org.uk

dovetonpress.co.uk

WASTE COLLECTION DAYS CHANGE OVER CHRISTMAS We will work three Saturdaysto get collections back to normal as quickly as possible.Check when we will be coming to you on the calendar below.

Your usual collection day

Revised collection day

Mon 25 Dec Tue 26 Dec Wed 27 Dec Thur 28 Dec Fri 29 Dec Mon 1 Jan Tue 2 Jan Wed 3 Jan Thur 4 Jan Fri 5 Jan Mon 8 Jan Tue 9 Jan Wed 10 Jan Thur 11 Jan Fri 12 Jan

Wed 27 Dec Thur 28 Dec Fri 29 Dec

Christmas trees Put your tree out with your first wheelie bin collection from Monday 15 January. You can also take trees to your nearest recycling centre – book before visiting at recyclingcentrebooking.bristol.gov.uk

Sat 30 Dec Tue 2 Jan

2024 collection dates

Wed 3 Jan

Download your 2024 collection calendar from bristolwastecompany.co.uk/festive

Thur 4 Jan Fri 5 Jan Sat 6 Jan Mon 8 Jan Tue 9 Jan Wed 10 Jan Thur 11 Jan

Garden and bulky waste Don’t forget, garden and bulky waste services pause over the Christmas period. For top tips and festive hacks visit: bristolwastecompany.co.uk/festive

Fri 12 Jan Sat 13 Jan

Normal collections from Mon 15 Jan

Scan me!