The Mead BS10 Issue 55 July 2018 - Southmead Festival Special

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WHAT’S ON? Sing ‘SO M with D UCH LO V a Fuc hama E’ n & Alf ie Ha ile

FREE RIDES on Chuffy Train

FREE CLIMBING WALL

FUN FAIR (p

ay as you r

ide)

Croon to some well loved tunes with The Rob Connolly Band

WHAT’S ON?

MEET THE STREET GOATS with REAL ECONOMY TAKE SELFIES WITH PICKLES McPRICKLES in the Greenhouse Café

AREA with ’S E L P O E P G N YOU etwork Creative Youth N

RELAX IN A SOUND BATH with BARDS OF AVALON in the Activity Room CAR BOOT SALE £7 for cars £10 for vans

TRY ART FOR WELLBEING in the Activity Room

WHAT ELSE? THE ESSENCE OF SOUTHMEAD We The Curioriubes

How would you desc ne Southmead to someo ? Could who had never been sound, you represent it in a story? a smell, a sight or a ow your Come and let us kn take thoughts so we can them away and do them. something arty with as part They’ll be exhibited t show. of an exciting new ar

SHAPE

PLACE

Visit us for Lego building while we share with you the Southmead Development Trust’s aspirations to make sure our community gets what it wants built. ● Meet the architects who will plan our updated Centre ● Catch up with the BS10 Parks and Planning Group to hear all the building up-dates for our area ● Meet Engie, the Dunmail developers - ask them what they’re building and how it’s going ● Meet YTL, the developers of the new Brabazon area on the old Filton Airfield - will they build homes, shops, schools? What benefits do they hope to bring to the neighbourhood? ● Meet United Communities who with SDT will help to deliver affordable housing in Southmead Come and say hello - we’d love to meet you and to swap ideas for the shape of things to come in Southmead.

WE WANT WOW Join the WOeW Team to ‘Try Something New Southmead’.

Have a go at clay modelling, colouring your own Gromit, helping us to make an Ideas Tree and lots more. We want to show you the creative and imaginative ways we can help you get the job or training you want. We’ve got goodies to help your creativity flow!

WHAT MAKES COME ALIVE SOUTHMEAD? What’s that ‘thing’ you enjoy doing and that helps you to keep feeling in the ‘swim’? The Southmead Health & Wellbeing Team would love to know. Or to know what you would enjoy, and what could help you to feel connected. So come and have a bit of fun and a chat about ideas over a giant game of Jenga or Chess, and help us work out what Residents need to keep their ‘being’ well!

WHAT’S THE LINE-UP? INSIDE THE MAIN HALL & STAGE 11:15

11:45

OUTSIDE THE MUSIC STAGE & DANCE AREA

Bill on the Keyboard 11:30

Area of Effect

12:00

Predators Cheerleaders Show

Zumba with Kristel

12:15

Forever Active with Alicja

12:45

Southmead Line Dancers

12:45

The Rob Connolly Band

13:30

The Bus Pass Poets

13:30

Area of Effect

14.15

High Energy Pilo Performance

14:30

Kizzy Morrell

15:00

Tug-of-War

15:30

Our Presence

16:15

Jasper Story

16:45

Savvy

17:00

Da Fuchaman with Alfie Haile

15:00

Tom’s Open Mike Session

Timings are all approximate. Please listen out for further updates.

If you need help our Volunteers are here to assist, just ask.

TOILETS ARE LOCATED INSIDE, NEXT TO THE CAFÉ.

WHAT’S TO EAT?

● ● ● ● ● ●

Instagram: Greenhouse Cafe Facebook: @greenwaycentreandcafe

PARTY PLANNING CAN WE ALL JOIN IN?

By Mike Steele INCLUSION SOUTHMEAD

Festivals for some are an opportunity to relax and have fun.

For others they are a way to discover new music, food and ideas, or to try something different. But at the heart of all festivals is the idea of people gathering and being together. So it might seem ‘obvious’ that festivals are inclusive, they’re for everyone right?

“In the past I have arrived early, and left soon after relieved to escape” (Inclusion Southmead member)

Festivals and big events can, for some of us, be difficult or overwhelming. But this doesn’t mean we can’t, or don’t want to, take part. Being aware that people have different needs, including those needs you can’t ‘see’, is an essential part of making sure no one is excluded or left-out.

information in large print, with easy to read language; having a quiet space, and places that anyone can take a break from noise, crowds, lights or smells; making sure people know when things start and finish, and what to expect.

Thanks Mike. The Mead asked this year’s Southmead Festival organisers, the Southmead Development Trust, what steps have been taken to make it an inclusive event.

Natalie Bailey told us: “The reason the Greenway Centre is the “I find the festival a hard event to best place for the Festival is because we Above all, our message to anyone attend. It’s so busy with people, are constantly working on inclusive organising a festival or event is if children and cars coming from facilities and they are already very good. everywhere making it hard for me to that you are not sure – ask. Make We have double door entrance and exit move around” (Inclusion Southmead sure you involve local Disabled points, and there are wheelchair member) residents from the very beginning, accessible toilets.

But ‘awareness’ is not enough on its it’s better for all of us. Have a great During the Festival our Greenhouse Cafe is the space where visitors often take a Southmead Festival! own – it’s about putting it into break or rest from the main activities Inclusion Southmead, telephone: practice. The great thing is that outside, and we have team of very visible 0117 914 0528 or e-mail: ​ being more inclusive and volunteers at hand should anyone mike.bristoldef@gmail.com welcoming for everyone will mean require advice or help. We have all have a better time. increased our number of parking bays for disabled badge holders for the event this Examples could be: asking about year. people’s access needs in advance; On a daily basis we deal with a huge making sure there is a named number of visitors to Greenway and we person to contact for any enquiries; are very experienced at accommodating everyone; the Festival is no different for making sure events are truly us in this respect. ‘wheelchair accessible’ by thinking We really value feedback so please let us about space and where things are know your views and ideas. Please not just about ‘level’ access; contact me - email designing posters, maps and nataliebailey@southmead.org or telephone 0117 950 3335.

CELEBRATING OUR OWN MEAD ROYALTY One of our very own community royals added some Southmead shine to one of the country’s most prestigious events of the year (the Southmead Festival being THE most prestigious!) Deana Perry was one of the lucky few to be invited to see Harry & Meghan tie the knot. Deana is on the royal radar due to her hard work for our community and also, it’s rumoured, because she’s caught the eye of Prince Charles (watch out husband Colin!). Thank you Deana (or Diana!) for sending your story and snaps to The Mead.

A MEADER AT WINDSOR CASTLE

By Deana Perry SOUTHMEAD RESIDENT

In April I was informed that there was a letter for me to pick up from Greenway which I picked up a few days later. It was addressed to ‘Diana Perry’ and I literally threw it in my handbag and opened it on the bus on my way to the Mall. When I realised it was an invitation to the Royal Wedding I said "Oh my God Oh my God" over and over and then had to stop because people were looking at me funny.

1200 people that volunteer or do charity work were invited to the grounds of Windsor Castle to take part in the Wedding. We were allowed a plus one so my beautiful daughter Lucy was mine.

Nobody in her office believed her until I sent them a picture of the invitation!

We were up at 5 am on the day to catch a coach to Windsor Castle and we travelled up with people that were going to line the streets for the procession.

We arrived at 8.15 am and then got a bit lost and ended going the wrong way which wasn't helped by the Policemen

Gift-bag goody

that weren't local but had been drafted in from across the country. We ended up walking over an hour and a half and because we had to be at a certain entry point by 10 am we were rushing - my daughter in front shouting "come on mum" and me behind saying "I can't go any faster!". At one point I lost my hat to a hanging basket as I had my head down and was going for it and didn't even see the blooming thing! Having paid a lot of money for the hat and it being the first time I have ever worn one I wasn't about to leave it on the pavement! When Lucy

looked back to see how far behind I was she was not amused.

We finally got to the entry point with 5 minutes to spare and then had to go through at least 5 lots of security to get our wristbands that allowed us entry.

Having never been to Windsor Castle it was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen, and the grounds are magnificent. We were divided into groups and told which area to stand in, and thanks to Lucy we managed to get to

The Windsor Boys

the front and had a brilliant view as we were situated half way between Windsor Castle and St George's Chapel.

Around 11.30 am wedding guests started arriving - some were walking and others were in coaches. We saw Posh and Becks, George and Amal Clooney, James Corden, Oprah Winfrey, Idris Elba, and then when Serena Williams walked by Lucy nearly passed out. Then came the Royals with Harry stopping the car that him and William were in right in front of us. They both got out and everyone was cheering as they walked to the Chapel together. When the Queen went past I did have a little cry as I will never be that close to her again. She has been our Queen forever and to be within a few feet of her was so special.

The service was broadcast on a loudspeaker and we all cheered at the special moments. Everyone had brought a packed lunch so we sat down and ate ours and thank God I took an umbrella to shade us as it was so hot. Just after 1 pm the newlyweds appeared to loud cheers and we got to watch all the celebs and Royals walk back up to the Castle. Harry and Meghan were in their beautiful carriage and of course some of the

Royals were in cars. You could tell how famous/important they were by the loudness of the cheers.

the pictures and videos from the day to their mobile phones. On the journey home I discovered that the lady that was sat in front of us belonged to the church Just after 1.30 pm the gift shop was in Knowle West that the choir that sang opened and of course Lucy wanted to at the wedding came from. Harry and buy a souvenir. It was so hot and Meghan had actually been to meet the crowded in there I nearly came straight choir to discuss what they wanted them back out but went to the till with Lucy to sing on the day. We got back to Bristol instead. The assistant asked where our discount card was and we said we didn't at 6 pm and all agreed to meet for the have one. She told us that it should have next Royal Wedding. been in our gift bag and we said that as It was a wonderful day that Lucy and we were late we didn't get one. The lady myself will never forget and I am so said "Stay right there-I'm going out the grateful to the person that nominated back to look", and she reappeared five me although I will probably never know minutes later with what she told us were who it was. the last two. They contained a bottle of Hopefully we will be invited to another water, packet of shortbread, a chocolate wedding soon so that my outfit (and hat) coin, fridge magnet, and a Windsor will not go to waste. Southmead can be Castle leaflet with a map for guests. proud that a ‘Meader’ went to the Royal We then spent a while walking through Wedding and for me it was a real the grounds and soaking up the honour. atmosphere which was all a bit surreal.

You had to keep pinching yourself to make sure that you were really there.

We decided to make our way back to the Coach park which was next to Windsor Train Station. As we left the grounds of the Castle and started making our way through the streets it was so difficult even to see which way to go as there were literally thousands of people celebrating and cheering. Our journey was not easy because Windsor Train Station had been closed due to overcrowding, so we had to find another way to get to our coach and without Lucy as a guide I would never have found it.

Having walked for the best part of two hours I have never been so grateful to sit down and take my shoes off.

All the ladies on the coach wanted to know every detail and Lucy kindly sent all

MARION’S MEMORY LANE FESTIVALS OF YESTERYEAR

By Marion Garland SOUTHMEAD RESIDENT

The Southmead Festival used to be held on Glencoyne Square, which was always a great event; but of course we had to pray for good weather.

Southmead always put on a good show, there were many floats all decorated and they would travel around the streets so everyone could enjoy the parade. It really was a fantastic day.

I remember standing at the gate in Pen Park where we lived and saw lots of colourful floats decorated with balloons and ribbons. One float was

Do you recognise anyone on one of the old Festivals floats?

of Pen Park girl’s school which had a banner saying ‘goodbye Pen Park School’; that must have been just before the school was closed.

The Festival had to move to Greenway because of the shelter there if it rained, as well as health and safety - there were a few issues I took many photos but unfortunately at Glencoyne.

I let someone borrow them and have Let’s hope the sun shines on you all never got them back. Would any at this year’s Festival. reader know of their whereabouts? If you do please let me know.

LOCKLEAZE REFUGEE CELEBRATION From United Communities On Saturday 16th June United Communities supported the wider Bristol Refugee Festival with a celebration event at Lockleaze Sports Centre. Bristol Refugee Festival month was a huge success with many varied events taking place across the city.

Aletia Shaw, Visions and Values Officer at United Communities said, “It’s wonderful to see Lockleaze celebrating diversity and welcoming people from all walks of life. We are proud to have supported the first event of its kind in the area - thank you to everyone who contributed to something valuable that we hope will be built on year after

year.”The day involved a craft table for children with poetry performances, dance workshops, a football tournament run by Bristol Rovers and a talk from the Bristol Hospitality Network. The key points from the day were that everyone has a right to a

home, something that at United Communities housing association, we can fully support.

For more information about United Communities visit the website: www.unitedcommunities.org.uk

MEADER’S DIGEST

NORTH BRISTOL ADVICE CENTRE ARE YOU READY FOR UNIVERSAL CREDIT? Universal Credit (UC) is being rolled out across North Bristol from July 2018. Once it starts in your area, if you are claiming benefits and have a change of circumstances, it is likely you will be moved on to Universal Credit.

However, if you do not have any changes, then you will stay on your current benefits until 2021 or 2022.

You can check online at ucpostcode.entitledto.co.uk/ucdate to see when it starts in your area.

Universal Credit is one monthly payment (not fortnightly) and will include your housing costs for you to pay your full rent.

If you need help with setting up or managing your claim, drop in to MoneySmart Online any Tuesday between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm at North Bristol Advice Centre, 2 Gainsborough Square, Lockleaze, BS7 9XA. If you need help with your benefits, managing your money better, or are concerned about debts, North Bristol Advice Centre offer a wide range of free services that can help.

For more information, or to book an appointment, visit www.northbristoladvice.org.uk or telephone 0117 951 5751

70th Tea Party at St Stephens Church ALL WELCOME on Thursday 19th July at 3 pm NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 31st July At Southmead Library 11 am - 1 pm ALL WELCOME A LETTER FROM DARREN JONES MP Dear The Mead, I wanted to share with Residents how excited I am that there’s now a Gromit in Southmead at the Greenway Centre; it’s about time the rest of the City came to Southmead to see all the good work you’re doing here.

I am proud to represent you, and the entire constituency of Bristol North West, and can’t quite believe it has now been a year since the election.

Let’s continue to see our communities thrive because of the hard work of residents, councillors and all the organisations, volunteers and charities who work tirelessly.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy summer.

Southmead Community Centre Greystoke Avenue, BS10 6BQ Mondays 9:30 & 11:30 am and 5:30 & 7:30 pm Call Nicola on: 07873 818193

FROM THE SOUTHMEAD FESTIVAL COMMITTEE Dear All I am sure that the Southmead Festival is just as important to you as it is to me-a wonderful day of welcoming the community (and beyond) to get together and enjoy everything that Southmead has to offer. Once again the Southmead Development Trust have donated the Greenway Centre at no cost and have done so since 2012.

(Thank you).

However, at the end of last year the Festival committee found themselves in a very difficult position as we had no organiser and the number of residents on the committee had dwindled considerably. Filton festival costs around £40,000.00 to put on and they charge for entry. Our festival is free of charge and we are committed to this as it’s a community festival.

Although it is only one day it takes a tremendous amount of work to organise with over 130 organisations plus individuals to contact. This requires a project manager and up to 4 additional workers to plan and organise the day.

With this in mind the Festival committee decided last November to take a vote on how to proceed for this year’s festival. We desperately wanted there to still be a festival but were unable to do this ourselves. The committee voted to ask the Southmead Development Trust to host this year in a way as close as possible to previous festivals.

The Southmead Development Trust and the Southmead Community Association have worked with the festival committee for many years but unfortunately due to capacity the Southmead Community Association are unable to organise the dance performance area this year so the Southmead Development Trust have taken over this role. This is possibly one of my favourite areas as the

groups are brilliant and it showcases all temporary measure to give the committee a bit of breathing space. I the talent in Southmead. feel that it is really important that we Sadly, due to Council cuts, we no still have a festival and many residents longer have help from Council staff so will not be aware of how much hard we are really desperate for more residents to be involved in the festival. work and dedication it takes especially from volunteers.

The committee will reconvene in September to discuss how the day went and also, more importantly, what will happen going forwards. The Southmead Development Trust were asked to organise this year’s event as a

The sunshine has been ordered and we hope you have a great day.

Kind regards from Deana Perry, Chair of the Southmead Festival.