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Southmead News & What’s On Issue 68 May - June 2022 FREE DONATIONS WELCOME

WE’RE GONNA BE ON THE TELLY! B�: A�� K��, CEO, S�� D�� T��

une in to BBC1 on Tuesday 24th May at 8pm to see our very own Southmead Adventure Playground on the telly in BBC DIY SOS. It’s not to be missed with moving interviews with our Volunteers and Youth and Play team, and fabulous footage of the highs and lows, and thrills and spills, of the nine day quickturnaround building project. Grab your �ssues and prepare to be wowed! If you were involved as a Volunteer with the DIY SOS team then massive thanks to you. The community spirit

was amazing and so many of you turned out to contribute: Fonthill School brought cakes; local Tesco workers made tea; tradespeople from near and far lent their skills; and Southmead Rugby Club brought their muscle! With the brand new apparatus and play areas in place The Ranch is literally back in full swing and was buzzing during the Easter holidays with lots of exci�ng ac�vi�es. Loved by us all, and for many genera�ons, The Ranch has certainly had its fair share of set-backs, even con�nued on page 3>

INSIDE P.2 Great news for The Mead P.3 DIY SOS pics P.5 It’s a new ‘Dorney’! P.6 Arnside update P.7 Building Change P.8 Glencoyne update P.10 Mee�ngs & Help P.12 What’s On Weekly P.21 ‘Royal’ Badock’s Wood P.23 Messages & Memories

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GREAT NEWS FOR THE MEAD INDEED! 20 E 67 0 e h 2 COM su rc L Is a EE E - M FR S W b ON Fe TI NA DO

F��: T�� M�� T��

o you remember the last printed edi�on of The Mead before the pandemic? Pictured on the right, it was packed with all things Southmead and was, as ever, well received by our offline residents. We know The Mead has par�cular fans at The Woodnook (hello Woodnook!) and we’re always to keen to find areas in the community where residents would like to receive community news and no�ces on paper (do let us know). The pandemic put printed edi�ons on hold for two years, but even before the pandemic The Mead was beginning to struggle with just one Volunteer doing all the tasks necessary to keep it going. During lock-down, like many of us, our Volunteer had some health and family set-backs and so couldn’t bring back the printed edi�ons without more support, and income to meet rising prin�ng costs. Residents have made it very clear that The Mead is needed and have been constantly asking when it’s coming back. The Southmead Development Trust have listened to this and we are delighted that the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to sponsor and support The Mead for the next two years. This is fantas�c news and means a small team of staff at the

Southmead News & What’s On

TALKING ‘BOUT

OUR GENERATION! INSIDE

The 1970s Southmead great stories and pictures were posted. TrustFrom: canFacebook facilitate With Group the edi�ons, We currently have 3074 members! The the Trust’s backing The Group has been really successful in n early December 2019, former P.2 become Half-termmore Play Trail build back the volunteers team, and reconnecÌ ng people whoMead have lost can only Ilooking Southmead lad Bradley Lane was touch over the years and I have had P.3 Thanks to 1970s through some old snaps and work closely with residents whopeople thanking mesecure many for helpingand, in turn, a much came across one from around 1978, P.5 The Soap is back! them to revive old friendships”. taken at Docks.add It wastheir a want toPortsmouth write and own improved publica�on. Early on, Bradley picked up that P.6 Things to do? Fonthill School Camp Group photo the members would like to do taken outside the HMS items and ofar�cles. A huge P.7 thankMeeting you toreminders the Trust Victory. Bradley says, “I got to thinking something to help the community and that’s when the idea of a fundraiser for P.8 Weekly What’s howThe muchMead I had enjoyed the first ten is s�ll open tothe Youth Club and The Ranch for agreeing to back The MeadOnand came years of my life when I was living in P.10 Church up-date into existence. The members have Southmead and relivingtheir some items and everyone tostarted submit for priori�sing been very generous to date, donaÌ ng P.11 community New Places of my memories. That’s when I £850 and that figure is sÌ communica�ons. ll growing. decided to start 1970s Southmead they can s�llthebe self-published on P.12 Regeneration Talk The next thing that became Group on Facebook and see what P.13 Inclusion Updateor of would other people remembered The Mead websiteabout - the apparent was that having someIfsortyou like support 1970s get-together would prove to be area at that Ì me. I could not believe P.14 Marion’s Memories www.themead.org - or emailed advice wri�ng or submi�ng conAnued on page 3 about ... how fast it took off and how many directly to our new email address: your item, no�ce, events, pictures, themead@southmead.org. poetry, or anything else, please see details for help below.

COMMUNITY CORNER AT GREENWAY B�: L�� S��, C�� D�� L��, S�� D�� T��

'm here to support people of all ages to make things happen in communi�es in North Bristol, with a par�cular focus to help people over 50. I'd love to get to know you. I’m very excited about the return of the printed edi�on of The

Mead and am keen to help you to submit your items for inclusion, whether they are stories, no�ces, poems or pictures. I would be happy to meet you in Community Corner at the Greenway Centre. Lots happens for free in Community Corner such as kni�ng, cra�s, playing board games, and simply mee�ng

up for a cuppa and chat (see What’s On pages 12-13). We also have a new book-swap trolley where you can pick up a book you’d like to read and give one in return. I’m keen to support residents to set up and run new groups here, as well as at venues in all communi�es across North Bristol. To reach me call: 07498 755 863 email: lucillesmith@southmead.org

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THE RANCH ON THE TELLY <con�nued from front

before the pandemic meant it had to shut. We remember the fires and rebuilds, the closure scares and ‘Save the Ranch’ campaigns, and the different organisa�ons ba�ling to manage the site on a shoe-string. In 2018 the Southmead Development Trust agreed to take on the lease from Bristol City Council and run The Ranch. This was a massive step for the Trust as the yearly running costs for the site are enormous and we knew we would need to raise funds and ask volunteers to support us. A few residents got together to form a group to plan and ‘steer’ how we could progress The Ranch over the next few years, but then the pandemic put things on hold and the future looked a bit grim. It was when buildings began to gradually open again that our steering group refocused on how to move things forward and one of the group, Holly Maurice, had the idea to ask if the BBC DIY SOS team could lend a hand . . . before we knew it, it was ‘camera, lights, ac�on’ and Nick Knowles and his lovely team had landed . A�er some ini�al planning mee�ngs they told us to vacate the site for nine days and not to look! Our team at the �me were James, Nat and Lil and they were interviewed by Nick Knowles about their hopes for the renova�ons and the future, along with our chief Volunteer Sheralyn Fowler who shared her memories of being at The Ranch as a child. The best thing about the process of the project was how local volunteers came to get stuck in with building, gardening, carpentry, and generally lending a hand. As you will see, the ‘big reveal’ day was amazing and children and families poured back in to the site to see what had been achieved during the nine days. Outside they found a brand new games surface for sports, giant swings, a ‘death slide’, the pond cleared, replanted landscapes and an outdoor learning space next to the stream with a fire pit. Inside they found a beau�fully refurbished hut to hang out in with cool sea�ng and a new snooker table thanks

to the owners of the Bear and Rugged Staff (the Welcome in the old days!). In addi�on there is now a state of the art music studio with recording facili�es. Everyone was delighted with the new features at The Ranch and we had a celebra�on for families to come and take a look. The ‘death slide’ and huge swings were an instant hit, as you can imagine, and we were all in awe of the new music studio and lovely décor inside the hut. It didn’t take long before ball games were back on the new pitch with five-a-side matches. The project was a huge boost for The Ranch and we’re very grateful to the DIY SOS team and to all residents who came to help, raised funds or donated - a huge thank you.

The Trust has the really hard and long term job ahead to keep The Ranch open and running for future genera�ons and we’d love to know if you can help us. You may like to become one of our ‘Ranch Hand’ Volunteers? Do get in touch, ring us at the Greenway Centre on 0117 950 3335, or email: info@southmead.org, or pop along to The Ranch to chat with the staff team Will, Nat and Lil, or Volunteers like Sheralyn and Andi Fowler. But most importantly tune in and see if you can spot anyone you know:

DIY SOS - BBC1 8pm - Tuesday 24th May E�� T�� R�� 5>

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ar l u p o y p l l o u t f Due we are st! nd l Augu ur a m de 'ti ase visit o fo d e k in le o & p o s e l e b eanwhi r updat M e fo t i s b we

0117 950 3335 info@southmead.org southmead.org/the-ranch

S E I T R A P Y A D H T R I B H C N A R E H T t a

By holding your party at The Ranch, you are helping to support vital youth and play sessions for our community

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A NEW ‘DORNEY’ FOR THE RANCH! F��: ��

e are absolutely over the moon to say that Will Dorney is our new Youth and Play Manager. What a privilege to have someone with so much experience of our community and The Ranch to lead our youth and play projects. Welcome Will and over to you:

“

I’m really happy to be working at The Ranch, it’s a place very close to my heart. I was born and raised in Southmead and my Dad, Paddy, who some of you may know, has been heavily involved in Youth and Play services as a Youth Worker and Manager for over 25 years. He would always take me to The Ranch and Southmead Youth Centre and so I have been very familiar with the services from a young age.

UPDATE ON YOUTH CENTRE LEASE ��: ��

e have agreed to return our lease on Southmead Youth Centre to the Council at the end of this year. In return they have helped pay for the renova�on of The Ranch and also promised new community facili�es within the new development at Glencoyne Square.

can help to bring some more great partnership work between the Trust and CYN. In my personal �me I am a keen DJ and have a monthly residency on 1020 Radio in Bristol. You can tune in online every 4th Saturday if you’d like to hear the music I like to share, or go to www.1020.live/residents/ the-dorney-show/ if you’d like to listen to past shows - perhaps one day I’ll share my music selec�ons at The Ranch!

Therefore, we have now moved our twice weekly evening youth club to The Ranch which, since its renova�on, has now got some fantas�c new features for young people such as the new lounge, sports surface and amazing music studio. The BBC DIY SOS show is just the beginning of the latest chapter in The Ranch’s long story and a great li� to our plans to develop the site for all ages with top-class,

fully accessible facili�es for learning, play, adventure and sports. We need to keep raising funds to keep Youth and Play services running and one of the ways for us to earn income is to open The Ranch to hire for children’s birthday par�es. Please see details opposite of how to book a party (a�er August) and if you would like to volunteer to help us host par�es please do get in touch.

“

Me outside the Youth Centre c1999!

I have been in Youth and Play work for 7 years now, star�ng at The Ranch as a keen volunteer for Learning Partnership West, and then moving to different areas around the City working in youth clubs, on the beat doing detached work, and engaging young people in 1:1 ac�vi�es. My last job was with Crea�ve Youth Network (CYN) who also work in Southmead from the Greenway Centre, with their head office down in town at The Sta�on; I’m hoping I

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ARNSIDE IS NEARING COMPLETION F��: B�� C�� C��

e are delighted to say that the Arnside Road shopping area is nearing comple�on and the improvements to the Arnside Road public areas will finish this month. These are part of the Arnside & Glencoyne Square Regenera�on Project which has been developed by Bristol City Council in collabora�on with the Southmead Community, in three phases Phase 1 - Greystoke Avenue parking, completed November 2020 General parking has been removed from Arnside Road with only disabled parking and loading remaining between the shops. A three hour day�me parking limit has been introduced on Ullswater Road and in front of the shops on Greystoke Avenue. New, unlimited parking has been created along Greystoke Avenue and is now in use.

Phase 2 – Sustainable Drainage (SuDs) pods on surrounding roads, completed May 2021 Eight sustainable drainage pods have been constructed and planted up in the roads to the north of Arnside Road. These will help to hold back rainwater and reduce flooding downstream, as well as bringing colour and nature to the local streets.

Phase 3 – Arnside public realm trenches to be excavated on both improvements, comple�on due May sides of Arnside Road. This is the 2022 first �me ‘Stockholm’ tree pits have Greystoke Avenue junc�on been built in Bristol and means improvements: new traffic lights; Arnside has an avenue of trees, as improved crossing facili�es; well as helping to reduce flooding streetlights; and paving. The downstream. There is ‘raingarden’ community no�ceboard is now plan�ng along each side of the road. relocated near the crossing by Tesco. Ullswater Road: the retaining Greystoke Avenue service road: wall behind Iceland has been frontage of the shops; new paving; removed to create wider footways, street furniture (seats, cycle hoops improved parking bays, and to allow and bollards). The telephone box has new tree plan�ng. The area has been relocated and new trees have been repaved and there is new been planted. street furniture, including a new Arnside Road: the road between community no�ceboard. the shops will reopen in May when the works are completed. There are wide pavements and a new cycle route, together with new streetlights, seats, cycle hoops and li�er bins. The new granite benches feature artwork by Nick Hands and Simon Tozer; these were developed with residents and celebrate Southmead, including Did you a�end the opening on Friday David Prowse. 13th May? Do send The Mead a write Underground services have been up and any pics for the next edi�on. relocated to allow large SuDs

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BUILDING CHANGE WHITE HALL SOLD & CELEBRATION F��: S� S��’� C��

e are pleased to announce the successful sale of the White Hall to Bristol City Council. White Hall is due for demoli�on and the land will be incorporated into the Council's master plan for regenera�on in Southmead. Bristol City Council approached us to enquire about purchasing the White Hall and the land it sits on. We had been informed, some �me prior to this, that the current White Hall building was unfit for public use. Also, that it was of ‘nonstandard construc�on,’ meaning it would not be eligible for funding to restore. A�er careful considera�on we came to the conclusion it was no longer sustainable to maintain the building, and felt pleased that releasing the land would also contribute to the regenera�on plans for Southmead. We believe the plan is for Bristol City Council to demolish the exis�ng building and build homes in line with the master plan of

Southmead's regenera�on, although of course this is now up to the Council. St Stephen's are excited at the prospect of inves�ng in the future of our church and how we serve the local community. However, we don't know what these plans will look like yet. We know the White Hall has been an enormously important focal point for the community for decades. We know it housed the St Stephen's Community Work Project for some �me, as well as feasts, youth clubs and all sorts of wonderful community gatherings.

SOUTHMEAD LIBRARY UPDATE F��: B�� L��

e will be reloca�ng the library this summer to a new home in Southmead House, just across the road by the side of Tesco Express. This is to allow for the expansion of the supermarket Aldi. The library service and council property colleagues are working on refurbishing the new site, ready for library designers to start their work in mid-summer. Following our postcard engagement we received 28 responses from library users on their

ideas for the final design. We hope to move in September and there will be a very short period of closure whilst all the books and computers are relocated, with lots of no�ce for residents.

We'd love to celebrate what the White Hall has meant to the local community. So if you have stories to share and par�cularly if you have pictures of the White Hall being used by the community, please do get in touch to share them with us. We’ll be organising a community celebra�on of the life of the White Hall and we’d love your input, so please get in touch. Many thanks, and God bless, Rev Jon Roberts. email: revjonroberts@gmail.com view our website: www.ststephenssouthmead.co.uk

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COMMUNTY LED HOUSING UPDATE F��: S�� D�� T��

etermined and passionate residents are always behind Southmead’s triumphs and for this project it’s no different. Driven by the Community Plan in 2015, Southmead Development Trust has been working with and on behalf of the community, and in partnership with Bristol City Council to take forward a scheme for 120 new homes: one of the biggest resident led housing schemes in the UK. The aims of the project are to support the centre of Southmead to thrive, improve the range of affordable housing, and to create long term income streams to support community services and ac�vi�es such as those at The Ranch. We received planning permission for the scheme in 2021 but since then we have experienced some challenges. This means we are proposing to make some changes to the proposals. In April we ran a survey and drop-in event at the Greenway Centre to gather ideas and sugges�ons to feed into the emerging designs. Thank you to everyone who has got involved! The reason why the proposals for Glencoyne Square are changing is because we have been impacted by the pandemic, escala�ng building costs, and some changes in requirements for community space. WHAT IS CHANGING? Design principles and Ground Floor Community & Enterprise Space The revised proposals will s�ll follow the principles set out during the original Planning Approved Scheme. It will extend the current Arnside shoping area to create a new ‘hub’ for community uses with housing above and an upgraded open space.

Aerial view of the scheme approved in 2021

View along Ullswater Road looking East in 3 storey scheme approved 2021

View South East from Embleton with metal cladding, approved scheme 2021

The original scheme had ground floor space allocated to a new health centre, library, and community space. However, Bristol City Council have decided there will not be a new health centre as the NHS was unable to offer the rent for the space being sought by the Council.

The Council are s�ll considering a new library on the ground floor which is included in the revised proposals. What was to be the health centre space now needs a new use. This could be for alterna�ve community health or community enterprise uses that support the library. Possible ideas put forward

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FOR GLENCOYNE SQUARE Building Materials and Look of the Building The revised proposals will maintain, as far as possible, the look, feel and layout of the current design that residents supported through the planning process. One clear message from our recent community involvement was the desire for as much brick work as possible, so we have replaced the metal cladding with bricks. Aerial view of the changed proposal 2022

View along Ullswater Ulswater Road Roadlooking lookingEast Eastin in44storey storeyproposal proposal2022 2022

View South East from Embleton - brick to replace metal cladding, proposal 2022

include for work-space, a den�st or space for children and families. Number of homes We have been working hard to make be�er use of the spaces within the original layout of the buildings and to make the scheme cost effec�ve to build.

The revised proposal includes increasing the number of homes from 120 to around 187. We have sought to do this, without losing any more of the open space, through adding one addi�onal floor at certain parts of the design. The images above show what the changes to the plan look like.

Outdoor Space & Landscape Design Every home will have access to private amenity space by a mix of balconies, terraces and shared communal courtyard gardens. The public open space has been redesigned to make be�er use of the area. The central space between the two perimeter buildings is seen as an extension to Arnside and replicates the ground cover and tree plan�ng, paving and furniture. The layout provides flexible space for community events, markets and pop-ups. The dedicated cycle path on Arnside is extended to link with Lanercost Road. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? We are con�nuing to incorporate sugges�ons from the community feedback into the designs. A revised planning applica�on will be submi�ed by the end of June. We will update further in the next issue of The Mead or you can find out more by visi�ng us online at www.southmead.org. Email: info@southmead.org Tel: 0117 950 3335

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MEETINGS, HELP BS10 PARKS & PLANNING

6:00pm - 7:30pm • Monday 13th June Henbury & Brentry CH • Monday 11th July Greenway Centre • Monday 8th August Henbury & Brentry CH For info, contact Mike tel: 07875 126 321 online info page: www.themead.org.uk/ bs10-parks-planning

INCLUSION SOUTHMEAD

MEETINGS ARE CURRENTLY ON HOLD Next mee�ng tba at: NORTH BRISTOL LINKS (aka Lancercost Centre) Info, contact Anthea tel: 07867 690 422 online info page: www.themead.org.uk/ inclusion-southmead

TEAM SOUTHMEAD

11:00am - 1:00pm • Tuesday 28th June • Tuesday 26th July • Tuesday 30th August at: St Stephen’s Church Info, contact Deana tel: 07790 426 609 online info page: www.themead.org.uk/ team-southmead

FREE SUPPORT TO HELP YOU GET ONLINE From: North Bristol Advice Centre We can support you to get online and make the most of your online experience at North Bristol Advice Centre (NBAC) based on Gainsborough Square, Lockleaze. We are open on Tuesdays 10am to 12.30am and Wednesdays 1.30pm to 4pm. We offer support with: � online forms � se�ng up and using email � searching for info and jobs � finding best deals and bargains � using social media � how to use streaming services such as TV shows, films and YouTube videos � making video calls to family and friends (Zoom, FaceTime) We can also offer support with online safety, protec�ng ersonal data and knowing when to trust online informa�on.

Whether you are someone who has li�le knowledge of computer and technology or has used computers and technology previously and now would like to update your skills, we can support you. You can bring your smartphone or tablet or laptop or use our desk top computers and laptops.

Please either pop in to visit us for a chat at the centre: 6 Gainsborough Square, Lockleaze, BS7 9XA or email: nicola@northbristoladvice.org.uk or telephone 0117 951 5751 Visit our website: www.northbristoladvice.org.uk

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& SUPPORT SIGHT LOSS ADVICE HUB at the GREENWAY CENTRE Sight Support runs community hubs in accessible loca�ons across the region. Here you can get info and advice on living with sight loss. We have a range of demonstra�on equipment for you to try.

Kye Dudd

Labour

Brenda Massey

Labour

We can provide support on how to make technology work for you including how to get the most from mobile phones, laptops and tablet computers, as well as the latest magnifica�on technology. We can also offer training on screen readers, and daily living aids such as ligh�ng, kitchen gadgets, talking clocks and watches to support independent living.

Your local Community Sight Loss Advisor will be in Community Corner at the Greenway Centre on the first Monday of each month, 11.00am – 1.00pm for private consulta�ons. They can provide informa�on, advice and guidance on anything to do with living with sight loss. Feel free to drop-in to the Hub or you can book an appointment if you prefer.

Tel: 07795509531 cllr.kye.dudd@bristol.gov.uk c/o Bristol City Council, PO Box 3176, Bristol BS3 9FS

   

Tel: 979 9065 cllr.brenda.massey@bristol.gov.uk c/o Bristol City Council, PO Box 3176, Bristol BS3 9FS

Any problems in your local area? Pensioners are you getting the council tax benefit you’re entitled to? Whatever your problem, Kye and Brenda will try and help you - or find someone who can. If you cannot attend, feel free to write or contact them by phone or email.

Run alongside this hub is a social group. This is a place where people with sight loss can come together, share experiences, swap �ps and tricks for living with sight loss and most importantly chat, relax and enjoy each other’s company. Our groups are run by lovely volunteers who will make you feel welcome. Sight loss doesn’t have to mean being isolated, so why not come along to our friendly social group. Call Sight Support, tel: 0117 322 4885 or email us at info@sightsupportwest.org.uk to make an appointment or for more informa�on.

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WHAT’S ON WEEKLY BY VENUE - MAY - JUNE 2022 Since the pandemic many classes and groups have been put on hold or cancelled. This weekly list is what we can confirm so far and it will build back to a full list asap.

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

GREENWAY CENTRE - tel: 0117 950 3335 - email: info@southmead.org - website: southmead.org * Events marked * require booking * 09:15 AM - 10:00 AM * Circuits 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM *

Yoga

11:15 AM - 12:00 AM *

Functional Circuits

14:00 PM - 14:45 PM *

Strength & Balance (GP referral only)

15:30 PM - 17:30 PM *

Young Gym for ages 11-15

18:00 PM - 18:45 PM *

Carnival Fitness

18:00 PM - 18:45 PM *

Step Class

19:00 PM - 19:45 PM *

Total Body Workout

09:15 AM - 10:00 AM *

Cardio Combat

10:15 AM - 10:00 AM *

Forever Active

12:30 PM - 13:15 PM *

Qigong (FREE)

13:30 PM - 14:30 PM *

Golden Games with Bristol Bears (FREE)

15:30 PM - 17:30 PM *

Young Gym for ages 11-15

17:45 PM - 18:45 PM *

Yoga4Anyone

18:00 PM - 18:15 PM *

Dance Fit

18:00 PM - 19:00 PM *

Ree Pump

09:15 AM - 10:00 PM *

Zumba

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM * 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Pilates (mixed ability) Southmead Creative Writers (FREE)

14:00 PM - 16:00 PM

Greenway Games Club in Community Corner (play any board game or cards) (FREE)

14:00 PM - 15:00 PM *

Tai Chi

15:30 PM - 17:30 PM * 16:30 PM - 17:30 PM *

Young Gym for ages 11-15 Parkour for ages 7 - 12 years in the Greenway car park (booking essential) (FREE)

17:30 PM - 18:15 PM *

HIIT + Core

18:30 PM - 19:15 pm*

Ree Combat

09:15 AM - 10:00 AM *

Bumper Burner

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM * 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Pad Work Cuppa and Chat in Community Corner (FREE)

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM * 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM *

Forever Active Strength & Balance (GP referral only)

15:30 PM - 17:30 PM *

Young Gym for ages 11-15

18:00 PM - 18:45 PM *

Carnival Fitness

18:00 PM - 18:45 PM *

Ree Pump

09:15 AM - 10:00 AM *

Kettlecise

10:15 AM - 10:00 AM * 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Soca Step Knit & Natter in Community Corner (FREE)

12:00 PM - 12:45 PM *

Yoga

15:30 PM - 17:30 PM *

Young Gym for ages 11-15

18:15 PM - 19:00 PM *

Pilates

18:00 PM - 18:45 PM *

Clubbercise

09:15 AM - 10:00 AM *

Ree Combat

10:15 AM - 11:00 PM *

Carnival Fitness

Classes are included in your ALL-IN! £19.99 monthly gym membership, or are £5 per session unless marked otherwise. Look our for our new ANY FAMILY membership coming soon.

Join us in Community Corner for free activities and gatherings.

Young Gym membership is £14.99 per month or £2.50 per session.

SOUTHMEAD ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND - THE RANCH - tel: 0117 950 3335 Children under 8 years are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult age 18+ / times are different during school holiday periods TUES

15:30 PM - 17:30 PM

Free play for ages 8-13 years (school term time) (FREE)

WED

15:30 PM - 17:30 PM 18:00 PM - 20:00 PM

Free play for ages 8-13 years (school term time) (FREE) Youth Session for ages 13+ (FREE)

THURS FRI

15:30 PM - 17:30 PM 18:00 PM - 20:00 PM

Free play for ages 8-13 years (school term time) (FREE) Youth Session for ages 13+ (FREE)

Would you like to advertise in Southmead’s finest local paper? Please get in touch to find out about discounts for Southmead businesses: Telephone: 0117 950 3335 Email: themead@southmead.org See prices on our website @themead.org

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Is there an event missing from the list? Just email us: themead@southmead.org or tel: 0117 950 3335 ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH - tel: 0117 950 1250 MON

09.30 AM -

Baby & Toddler Group (FREE)

WED

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Friendship Cafe (FREE)

WED

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

NEW BRUNSWICK URC - tel: 0117 950 7776 Southmead History Group (meets during term-time, contact Joan Bennett tel: 07586 446 972) (FREE)

18.00 PM - 19:30 PM

Girls Brigade - 3rd Bristol (contact Gill Waines on 07848 147 554) (please enquire for subs prices)

SOUTHMEAD LIBRARY - tel: 0117 903 8583 OPEN: Tues 11:00 AM - 17:00 PM | Wed 11:00 AM - 17:00 PM | Fri 13:00 PM - 17:00 PM | SAT 11:00 AM - 17:00 PM TUE

11.30 AM -

Baby Bounce & Rhyme (FREE)

Tel: 0117 950 6127

Catholic Mass at St Vincent’s Church

Tel: 0117 959 1250

C of E Service at St Stephen’s Church

Tel: 0117 959 0989

Southmead Somali Group

Tel: 0117 950 3335

Community Church at Greenway Centre

Tel: 0117 950 7776

New Brunswick United Reformed Church

Tel: 0117 987 1327

Pentecostal Holiness Church

SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES & FAITH GROUPS

Blaise Museum has reopened for 2022 Visitors are being welcomed back to Blaise Museum following a period of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. Displays inside the museum show how people in Bristol used to live – from toys and games, clothes and art, to cooking and washing facilities. A temporary exhibition also looks at the wider estate focusing on Blaise’s amazing archaeology, history and wildlife. A year-long programme of events is also planned including regular family-friendly school holiday Activity days, walks, talks and more. To find out what’s on, visit online at: https://www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/blaise-castle-house-museum/whats-on We are open from April to December, Thursday to Sunday, 11am – 4pm (plus Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the school holidays and on bank holiday Mondays) Blaise Castle Estate, Henbury Road, Henbury, Bristol BS10 7QS. Tel: 0117 903 9818

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MORE EVENTS

M POWER

PARKOUR at the GREENWAY CENTRE Every Wednesday 4:30 – 5:30pm in the Greenway Centre car park For ages 7 – 12 BOOKING SYSTEM IN PLACE DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND! Book here: freeyourinstinct.org/our-classes

We're hosting a monthly gathering to support each other with all things

MENOPAUSE on the last Friday of each month at the Greenway Centre, Doncaster Road, BS10 5PY time: 6 - 7:30pm Join us for our first chat and together we'll build a month by month plan of

Try Something new Challenge yourself Feel proud

what we'd like to include: Expert guest speakers? Health & wellbeing guidance? Activities & socials? Food & nutrition help? Mutual support? Fitness advice?

For further info contact Vicky. email: vickywall@southmead.org, tel: 0117 950 3335

All you need to do is let Lucille know you're coming so we've got numbers for space and refreshments tel: 07498 755 863

LINK FORWARD

email: lucillesmith@southmead.org

NEXT EVENTS AT SOUTHMEAD RUGBY CLUB 21st May: Jay Stiles Michael Jackson Tribute Act, 7pm tickets available from SRFC bar 18th June: Cider and Cheese Festival Come and try some fantastic local ciders and farmhouse cheese! 9th July: Our annual 5 a side football Tel: 0117 959 3060 Tournament ‘Natch Challenge’ SRFC, Greenway Centre £25 entry per team

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COURSES & TRAINING FREE WORKSHOPS WITH BRISTOL WELLBEING COLLEGE Date: Wednesday 29th June Venue: Greenway Centre, BS10 5PY Time: 2:30pm – 4:30pm • Be�er Sleep Workshop The approach of this workshop is not to cure insomnia, rather it is about self-management techniques to help you to tackle your sleep problems, increase your sa�sfac�on with sleep, and deal effec�vely with sleep difficul�es when they occur. • Understanding Yourself Workshop Usually we are our own worst cri�cs. This session aims to help us dispel some of our nega�vity towards ourselves and improve our outward lives and inner wellbeing by knowing ourselves be�er, recognising our strengths and a�ributes, and increasing our self-awareness. Telephone to book your place on: Tel: 0117 914 5498 Website: http://www.second-step.co.uk/bristol-wellbeing-college

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Southmead Development Trust and

Changes for Life

Weston College are working in

�

Personal Development

partnership to bring a range of new

�

Citizenship and Life in Modern Britain

�

Teamwork and Confidence

�

Achieving Your Goals

training opportunities to the people of North Bristol at the Greenway Centre. Courses on offer include: Living in the Community �

Accessing Support, Health and Leisure Services

�

Developing Assertiveness

�

Pet Care

�

Volunteering

�

… and many more options

*All courses include a City & Guilds Cer�ficate in Employability and Customer Service

Improving your skills in: �

Literacy

�

Numeracy

�

Managing your Wellbeing and Resilience

Finding Your Strength / Future You Mental Health Awareness and Goal Setting

All courses are FREE to study for most people.

Employability �

FREE courses subject to eligibility

Community Solutions

Courses are flexible and can be studied to fit around your lifestyle and existing commitments.

�

CMT Services at the Greenway Centre

Employability Skills Package: 7 day course CSCS Package: 7 day course Food Hygiene Package: 7 day course IT Package: 7 day course Care Package: 7 day course Warehousing Package: 10 day course

Getting you ready for the kind of work you want to do

Please contact us to find our more, tel: 01934 411147 or email: employmentsupport@weston.ac.uk

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SOUTHMEAD CREATIVE WRITERS BY: PAM FOWLER

ur group was started by Kath Horseman in 2018 which is when I became a member. We have three long standing members and although we have had several people come and go we now have a steadfast group of three gentlemen and three ladies. We began mee�ng in Community Corner at Greenway and then progressed to a funded space to gather and write. We have since published a book and performed at many different events. We all have very different wri�ng styles and abili�es but we always have an interes�ng discussion, and no ma�er how long we have been wri�ng we are all learning and improving. The social aspect of the group is just as important to us as the wri�ng and we are very suppor�ve of each other. Unfortunately our mentor Kath had to leave the group for a while as her dear husband Henry was very ill and has now sadly passed away. Henry was a lovely fellow, he and Kath had been involved with saving Greenway in its early days. Henry will be sadly missed by all.

HEALTH & WELLBEING GROUPS F��: ��

he brilliant Southmead Writers Group above was ini�ally supported by our team and we’ve loved to see it grow. Perhaps you could become involved in something by taking the first step to a�end one of our online or inperson groups to support you to improve your health and wellbeing. These groups are open to anyone registered with a GP prac�ce in North/West Bristol, who is 18+. At the moment you can sign-up to a 4 week Healthy Lifestyles course,

We meet each Wednesday at Greenway so do join us. If you would like more info, or to invite the group to do a performance at your club or event, please contact Brian, tel: 07484 268 145 My Garden by Pam Fowler I don't want to create a garden like I see on TV The garden I have created suits me. I've been watching the Chelsea Flower Show There are lots of plants on there I would like to grow The co�age gardens are the ones for me Where everything grows higgledy piggledy. My garden is like that you see. No plants standing 12 inches apart Like li�le soldiers on the march. When the borders are full to the pots I go Even they are not allowed to stand in a row. All over the place is the order of the day No formality, that is my way.

Street Par�es by Sue Darke Permission given to close the street So all the neighbours can meet Trestle Tables assembled Covered in fes�ve sheets Sandwiches and cakes to make All the neighbours par�cipate It's to be kept alcohol free Which pleases me. There's nothing be�er than a cup of tea. Union Jacks to be erected Fireworks to be projected. What we must have is a nice dry day If it rains we must find another way. The church has offered the use of the hall Which has been agreed by all.

an online Carers Support Drop-in, a Parents Session if you want advice about children who have Special Educa�onal Needs and Disabili�es, and also an online 'Living Well with Chronic Pain' group. All details on the next page. We'll be expanding the op�ons over the next month or so with a much broader range to choose from, and if you have any ideas about groups you would like to see happen then please get in touch. You can visit our website to sign up for groups at www.southmead.org/wellbeing/ social-prescribing and complete the form - then one of our team will be

in touch when the next session starts to invite you along. If you don’t use the internet please ring 0117 950 3335 and ask to speak to Caitlin from Social Prescribing. email: caitlintelfer@southmead.org

Thank you for your lovely poems please keep sending them in!

“Having that space every Friday was lifting my spirits up, I felt connected, supported, felt there was a purpose again, prior to that I was struggling, felt really alone”

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southmead.org LIVING WELL WITH CHRONIC PAIN ONLINE Fridays 10:30am - 12pm

JOIN OUR FREE SUPPORT GROUPS BUILDING CONFIDENCE FOR WORK IN PERSON Wednesdays 10am - 12:30pm

CARERS SUPPORT DROP IN ONLINE 1st Thursday of month 1 - 2pm

LIVING WITH LONG COVID ONLINE Wednesdays 10 - 11:30am HEALTHY LIFESTYLES IN PERSON GREENWAY Fridays 12:30 - 2:30pm HEALTHY LIFESTYLES IN PERSON COTHAM Coming Soon!

EMPLOYMENT SKILLS WORKSHOP IN PERSON Wednesdays 1:30 - 3:30pm

Scan here to sign up!

MANAGING MONEY IN PERSON Coming Soon!

Groups are open to adults (18+) who are registered at a North or West Bristol GP surgery. Sign up online by visiting southmead.org/wellbeing/social-prescribing

SEND INFO SESSION ONLINE 1st Wednesday of month 11am - 12pm

MANAGING MENOPAUSE ONLINE Coming Soon!

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The Friends of Doncaster Road Park & Embleton Playground is a small voluntary community group aiming to help improve these two parks in Southmead. Our group work in partnership with the Bristol City Council Parks Department, and we have been awarded various small amounts of funding from several organisations.

So far, we have organised several nature-based activities for our community, and we continue to help make improvements at both parks. These have included: Organising for a bench to be installed at Embleton Playground Planting a variety of spring bulbs Successfully applied for funding for new signs to be fitted at the entrances Planting a hedgerow in Embleton Playground with funding from the Woodland Trust Arranging for safer fencing to go in around the substation at Doncaster Road Park Painting Doncaster Road Park’s goal posts, and one entranceway Please see below for how to link up with us to hear about future activities we have planned at the parks. We would also really love to hear from you if you’d like to share ideas or be more involved and help/volunteer with us. Thanks. 😊 To join us on Facebook search for ‘Friends of Doncaster Road Park & Embleton Playground’. Or, scan this QR code:

We welcome emails at friendsofdrpep@gmail.com or For sending us a text: our phone number is 07734 054996

To follow us on Twitter search for @ParksSouthmead. Or, scan this QR code:

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PARK LIFE & NEWS

AN OPEN & SHUT CASE FOR DONCASTER ROAD PARK B�: D�� P��

hen Inclusion Southmead was formed in 2016 one of the priori�es the group iden�fied was to open up the entrances to Doncaster Road Park. Inclusion is a group of disabled and non-disabled residents working together to create change in Southmead. One member of our group had not been able to get in to the Park on her Mobility Scooter for 20 years! A pot of funding was found from Bristol City Council that was ring fenced for improvements to access parks and green spaces. Ini�ally we concentrated on opening up two entrances as there was only a small pot of money available. It took the best part of five years and many, many mee�ngs to reach our goal. In February 2020 (just before lock down) two entrances were opened up replacing the huge, ugly, black, padlocked gates that have been there for years. The old gates said “stay out” but the new chicanes are open and a lot friendlier. Recently we were informed that there was enough money le� in the pot to have the other two entrances opened up as well. Residents had been asking for years for this to

happen and there was even enough le� to buy a new no�ceboard and a bench. We are now very lucky to have a Friends group for Doncaster Road Park and Embleton Playground. They organise many wonderful ac�vi�es and also put in funding bids to improve both parks. They have done some amazing work and I feel that the parks will be used a lot more and in the future they will become the parks that they deserve to be. Last November Bristol City Council held a public mee�ng at Badock’s Wood School to show us proposals for building houses on Doncaster Road Park. This proposal was fiercely opposed by residents and the Community, it was never

included in the Masterplan for the regenera�on of Southmead (Arnside/ Glencoyne Square). Mike Murch (Resident and Secretary of BS10 Parks & Planning) produced a document opposing any building on Doncaster Road Park and submi�ed it to the Council. The document was endorsed by Southmead Development Trust, Team Southmead, BS10 Parks and Planning and Friends of Doncaster Road Park & Embleton Playground. A few months later Bristol City Council announced that they had dropped plans to build houses on Doncaster Park. For further info or to find out about Inclusion Southmead or Team Southmead email: zazu@sky.com or ring 07790 426 609

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LOOKING FOR A JOB WITH HOURS TO SUIT YOU? We offer you free training to become an independent carer to work when, how long for, and with whom you choose.

GREENWAY CARE CONNECT

Please get in touch to find out how you can train and become a carer with hours to fit in with your lifestyle, however much time you have.

Free training and guidance. Peer support. Your DBS fee paid. A hub for you and your clients with free social activities. Access to health & wellbeing services. Discount membership with Greenway Gym & Fitness. Times decided by you.

Please contact: Cecilia Casadio email: greenwaycare@southmead.org Tel: 07376 067 980

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‘ROYAL’ BADOCK’S WOOD! B�: F�� R��

he Friends of Badock’s Wood are delighted that Badock’s Wood has been chosen as part of a na�onwide network of 70 Ancient Woodlands to be dedicated to The Queen in celebra�on of her Pla�num Jubilee The Queen’s Green Canopy recently announced the network of 70 Ancient Woodlands and 70 Ancient Trees across the United Kingdom which will form part of the Ancient Canopy to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service. The ini�a�ve was launched by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, who is Patron of The Queen’s Green Canopy, under one of the Ancient Tree dedica�ons - the old Sycamore located at Dumfries House in Scotland. Badock’s Wood has been woodland con�nuously for the last 500 years. The woodland area has been home to humans since the Bronze Age and was used for postwar prefabs built in the 1940s un�l the 1980s. Badock’s Wood has played a huge part in local people’s lives. It has been used as a resource in past �mes and more recently as a place of solace and of great importance during the recent pandemic. The Queen’s representa�ve in Bristol, Peaches Golding, Lord Lieutenant of the County and City of Bristol, is delighted that Bristol’s natural environment has been recognised in this way. She said, “Badock’s Wood is such a valuable place for the people of Southmead and surrounding neighbourhoods, as well as a natural asset for the city as a whole. As a designated Local Nature Reserve since 2008, we in Bristol have already recognised its worth, but it is wonderful that it is one of just 70 ancient woodlands across the country to be given the accolade of forming part of the na�onal Queen’s Green Canopy. This

is a posi�ve celebra�on of Her Majesty’s 70 years as Monarch.” Badock’s Wood is a hidden haven for wildlife. Our Friends group, along with other local organisa�ons and community members, have worked together for over 20 years to keep Badock’s Wood a lovely place for everyone. We are going to celebrate this award and the Queen’s Pla�num Jubilee by plan�ng a Jubilee Copse of 70 trees, commissioning a sculpted Jubilee Bench and plan�ng an oak tree near the bench in the Autumn during tree plan�ng season. We are also hoping to work with the Southmead Meadows to Meaders community project to have a roaming performance about the history of the woodland and the people who lived there. For example, many of the children of the families who moved into the prefabs post war, now somewhat older, remember living in the area around the Bronze Age Burial Mound with this fabulous woodland as their

garden. We look forward to a fantas�c year of celebra�on and community fun. More details will be published on our website www.fobw.org.uk or in The Mead in due course. By sharing the stories behind the ancient woodlands and trees, as well as the incredible efforts that are made to protect them, The Queen’s Green Canopy aims to raise awareness of these treasured habitats and the importance of conserving them for future genera�ons.

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This eight-week taster will explore everyday life – family, work, leisure – in Britain, since 1900, and how the meaning of community has altered and stayed the same. Facilitated by Dr April Gallwey FREE - Open to all Contact Siân: english-lifelong@bristol.ac.uk Tel. 0117 928 8924

BA English Literature and Community Engagement Apply now to start in September 2022 on our BA in English Literature and Community Engagement. Gain a University of Bristol degree as an adult learner alongside work or other life commitments. Study one night a week for a unique lower tuition fee. No prior qualifications needed. Learn with students from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Study literatures in English from across the globe and throughout history. Explore the role of literature in society through a communityengagement project. Applicants with no prior educational experience or returning to education encouraged. Student Finance available if eligible.

Visit bristol.ac.uk/ELCE Email elce-ptp-director@bristol.ac.uk

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MESSAGES & MEMORIES REMEMBERING HENRY HORSEMAN B�: C�� B�� th

On the morning of the 13 April 2022, the sun shone a li�le less brightly across Southmead as Henry Horseman lost his ba�le with cancer. There are very few people like Henry in this world – pure kindness through and through. And if you have someone in your life who looks at you the way that Henry looked at his wife Kathleen, and the way Kathleen looked at Henry (true, unfailing and uncondi�onal love), then you are incredibly lucky. We will all have memories of Henry – be it him zooming along the pavement on his scooter (nearly knocking you down) with Buddy on his lap, being central to the crea�on of Southmead Development Trust with his wife Kathleen, or his wonderful, heartwarming smile. Henry was central to life in Southmead, and will be sorely missed.

SAVE THE DATE! F��: S�� D�� T��

The Southmead Fes�val is back at the Greenway Centre on

HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY TO MARION! Many of you will know Marion Garland, she usually writes our Memory Lane column and is one of the founding commi�ee members of The Mead when it started in 2004. This month Marion is celebra�ng her 90th Birthday and we know you’ll join us in wishing her a wonderful celebra�on with her friends and devoted family.

Saturday 13th August Look out for more info in the next edi�on of The Mead

JUBILEE APOLOGIES

MEN IN SHEDS

F��: S�� D�� T��

We’re sorry but the Jubilee celebra�on on Thursday 2nd June at The Ranch has been cancelled. This is due to staff changes and capacity. Meanwhile, we’ll be pu�ng all our efforts in to hos�ng the Fes�val in August.

Men's sheds are community spaces where men can enjoy practical hobbies. They are about making friends, learning and sharing skills. We used to have one in Southmead and we would like to get it going again. Were you part of the Southmead men's shed group or would you like to be? Please come to a planning meeting on Wednesday 25th May, 6pm-7pm, in Community Corner at the Greenway Centre. If you can't make it but would like to get involved please contact Lucille, email: lucillesmith@southemead.org or tel: 07498 755 863

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CONTACT THE MEAD Everyone can publish in The Mead - here’s how to do it: 1. Just email your item as plain text with an email a�achment of an unedited photo or image to themead@southmead.org 2. If you would like support to write and submit your item, please contact Lucille Smith from the Southmead Development Trust’s Community Development Team, tel: 0117 950 3335 3. All items are published online at www.themead.org and we include as many items as we can in the paper edi�on. NEXT EDITION: July/August 2022 submissions by deadline: Friday 25th June

We are proud that this edi�on of The Mead was printed by Doveton press in Bristol. info@dovetonpress.co.uk The paper used is FSC from managed forests and so is 100% recyclable.

Thank you to our adver�sers this month: ▶Slimming World ▶University of Bristol and for their kind dona�ons thank you to: ▶The Travelling Teapot and BS10 Bingo ▶Crime Stoppers PROUDLY SPONSORS THE MEAD