Autumn 2020
FREE community magazine St Pauls St Werburghs St Agnes Montpelier
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Welcome Welcome all to issue 16 of Vocalise. It’s October which means we’re celebrating Black History Month, amongst other things. We hope you’re all well heading into the Autumn months and staying safe. I’d like to make an apology regarding the image used in last issues magazine of the hands behind the BLM poem. All though the intent was to represent community and people of all races working together it has been mentioned that it was a use of unconcious bias (something we can all be guilty of) and we will try to be more concious in future. Hollyanne Schnieden Project Coordinator
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Local photos Local Hero / Soap Works For Evolution Culture Declares Emergency Bristol Black History Month / Art of Leaving Queens Representing Queens / Hello from Gem Bristol Coop / Managing mental health Cables and Cameras Cleo Lake Runner Up St Pauls Carnival Reparations / Farewell from DMAC Star & Garter family day
Thanks to: Emerson Denton, Soapworks, Chloe Naldrett, Deasy Bamford, Cognitive paths, Christelle Pellecuer, Gem Burgoyne, Dan Lewin, Lee Digpal, Gary Thompson, Cleo Lake, Victoria Pearl Bone, Heather Myatt, SPAC, Caroline Matthews, Anna Cunningham and all our delivery team
Published by: Vocalise Bristol CIC Backfields House Upper York Street Bristol BS2 8QJ
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Co-ordinated and designed by: Hollyanne Schnieden
Cover photo Deasy Bamford
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Green way project Thoughts from an Oldie St Pauls Advice Centre One Love Jam / Carnival Get yourself connected Kids recipe, Thai Green Curry Scrapbook Project
Thanks to Directors and Volunteers: Vandna Mehta (founder) Hilary Finch Anna Ruggiero Lucille Smith Lynn Mareno Africa Montis-Ngomo Judith Davis //Kabbo Ferdinand Dave Holden info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk vocalisemagazine.org.uk @vocaliseBristol
Vocalise Bristol CIC
This is YOUR community magazine, if you’d like to be involved, get in touch!
Local photos
Photo of Hilary’s garden Mural by 3dom & Sepr photo by Vandna Mehta
Mural by Emma Holloway picture by Hilary Finch
Mural by Stinkfish, photo by Anna Ruggerio
Greenway project mural
Mural on Gatton Road, photo by Vandna Mehta
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Local Hero
Emerson Denton Written by Hilary finch
‘a friendly face, he is affectionately known as the Mad Professor.’ Our local hero this issue is Emerson Denton for his generosity helping people with his electrical and technical skills and his capacious understanding of how things work. He has also helped many children with English, Maths and Geography to help them go on and make something of their lives. Living a good life in Babylon near Manchester, Jamaica, Emerson's parents had 17 children, 10 of whom survived and live in the UK, Germany, and back home in Jamaica. Emerson's father came to England from Jamaica in 1954 as a nuclear engineer and brought Emerson over a few years later to become an apprentice precision engineer after he had completed his electricians course in Jamaica. His mother arrived in the 60's with the remaining children, but she eventually returned to her beloved Jamaica. Emerson has carried on studying and is a qualified programmer, a book worm and general know all! A slight man, with large capable hands and a friendly face, he is affectionately known as the Mad Professor. He is highly appreciated for his electrical and technical skills and his inventiveness. He has worked with many recording studios, particularly C Jam Productions and has his own studio at his home on Shaftesbury Avenue in Montpelier. Somehow he also finds time to play the piano for the Bristol Reggae Orchestra and is currently composing a new piece for them. And, yes, he teaches piano too! Emerson was married to Monica for 33 years and they had 3 children. She remained in Fishponds when he moved to Montpelier in 1996 once the children had all grown up. You may have seen him working alongside Dutty Ken at the Star and Garter, you may remember him helping you learn your maths or English. Perhaps you are having piano lessons with him. For a man of so many parts, I am surprised I hadn't known him sooner but glad I know him now.
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Friday 2nd October - Sat 1st November Soapworks, BS2 0HZ Centre of Gravity is a new exciting and innovative project bringing together the expansive contemporary visual arts communities of Bristol and Bath to a point of focus. Through a collaboration with developer First Base, Centre of Gravity will bring a month-long exhibition to Soapworks,at the former Gardiner Haskins store near Bristol Temple Meads Station. Running from the 2nd October to the 1st November, the exhibition will feature a wide range of work from over 60 artists and curators, a programme of events and performances, as well as keyresearch projects and symposia in partnership with Bath School of Art. Rosie
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Local News
Culture Declares Emergency Written by Chloe Naldrett
Theatre producer and climate activist Chloe Naldrett shares news on recent events highlighting the Climate and Ecological Emergency. The future of our planet, and the irresponsibility of those in charge, is a major source of anxiety for me. Taking action has been the antidote to the despair. Here are some of the things that have been going on lately, with details of how to get involved. As Greta says, ‘once you begin to act, hope is everywhere’.
Our Air, Our City
Wasn’t it nice breathing clear air for the first time during lockdown? Shouldn’t that be the norm, not the exception? This campaign to tackle the city’s illegal levels of air pollution is being run in partnership with community groups across the city. We want the voices of those who are living in the most polluted areas – who are the least culpable citizens when it comes to creating the pollution – to be at the front and centre of the campaign. If you represent a community group and would like to learn more about how you can get involved, email ourairourcity@protonmail.com.
Culture Declares Emergency: Bristol
Friday 28 th April saw the launch of a local chapter of the nationwide Culture Declares Emergency movement. The launch featured a range of artists and activists reading their ‘Letters to the Earth’. Contributors included Vocalise’s own Vandna Mehta, Green Councillor Cleo Lake, Tribe of Doris’s Deasy Bamford plus poet and musician Pete The Temp. CDE Bristol will be holding a regional assembly this autumn, and we invite artists and arts organisations to join us. Find us on Facebook at Culture Declares Emergency: Bristol and Beyond.
Extinction Rebellion
You may have seen XR Bristol engaging with people over the Bank Holiday. XR’s commitment to social justice is threaded through its key demands, which are: 1. Tell the Truth, 2. Act Now, and 3. the creation of a Citizen’s Assembly. On Saturday we heard from Cleo Lake about our global connections, from Usha Bholah about de-colonisation and Jendayi Serwah from Stop the Maangamizi: We Charge Ecocide/ Genocide. XR is building mutually supportive relationships with groups across Bristol and welcomes everyone to our weekly rebel meetings. For more info visit www.xrbristol.org.uk.
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Bristol Black History Month Provided by cogniitive paths “If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.” – Carter G. Woodson, founder of Negro History Week (1926) “Self-pride is the catalyst for achievement and there is no greater ‘truth’ than knowing yourself.” - Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, founder of UK Black History Month *** Black History Month began in the US as Negro History Week and in 1987 became an official month-long celebration in the UK. Its aim has been to showcase the past and present reality of Black people and the often overlooked contributions they’ve made to British society and culture. The ultimate goal is to eradicate the need for a separate month of celebration, and for the Black Experience to be fully incorporated into the general known history of the UK. Bristol Black History Month magazine provides a platform that celebrates the achievements and histories of Black, Caribbean and African communities in the South West. It also holds a mirror up to the progress of the region in terms of social change, educational and racial equality. For this change to happen, it is vital that people of all backgrounds engage with these topics. For this reason Bristol Black History Month Magazine is for everyone to read, enjoy, and educate themselves about the experience and contributions of the Black community. More than a magazine, our accompanying service is to provide culturally relevant marketing through our publication and ongoing digital presence. Our intention is to provide content that is reflective of the community so that we improve the involvement and engagement of the community in future opportunities, issues and solutions. As we develop the platform to have an ongoing presence throughout the year, we are keen to work with advertising and marketing agencies that want to share relevant content through the magazine and online presence. Bristol Black History Month online magazine will launch on October 1st 2020 to mark the beginning of a month-long celebration of Black culture and contributions to the UK and global society.
The Art of Leaving An Autumn art project for eveyone and anyone ! Join me, between Halloween and Divali, when we start the decent into winter. And take a moment to leave a memory with leaves, for a loved one , for something you miss, for a dream that faded, to touch your heart and reach into others hearts. Make a moment of beauty, feel connected to nature and the passing of time. Photograph your "leaving" and share it with your network using #theartofleaving, upload it to the facebook page ( see Link ) and I will make all the memories into one design for a 4 billboard in Bristol for Imbolc , Feb 2nd when winter starts to shift into spring. I will be collecting and shareing poems, stories and different cultural traditions for death dying and transformation. For other events and for more information deasybamford@googlemail.com Written by Deasy Bamford
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Art & Culture
Queens representing Queens Written by Christelle Pellecuer
In 2007, I curated an exhibition called “African Queen”. The project started as I realised that many of us were not aware of our own African histories and I started to research stories of women who have left a legacy behind with their contribution to the story of Africa. I wanted to pass on to the community and especially the newer generations the stories that I discovered in my research and bring awareness to the diverse and vibrant history of Africa. I wanted to highlight the queens’ struggles, victories and achievements, and show the difference they made in their communities, nation and in history. And my hope in the process was to inspire other women, men and the youth as much as I got inspired by the stories of each individual queen. I also wanted to tell the stories of these queens from a modern twist by using contemporary women to portray the historical queens. Who else are better placed to represent the African queens than our queens from our own community? Thanks to 16 inspirational women the project continues to inspire and motivate others locally and further afield.
The exhibition was meant to be a one-off project but there has been a continuous demand for it and for the stories of these queens to be shared that several years on the project has turned into a bigger venture and we have just rebranded as Razana Afrika CIC and launched a brand new website www.razanaafrika.com
Hello, From Gem I took on the centre management position here at SPLC at the end of February 2020 but had been working on reception since Feb 2019, so am a familiar face to most building users. My drive throughout my working life has always been focused on community, ethical practices both socially and environmentally and I have a real love of human interaction and bringing people together. I’ve worked and lived in and around the area for almost 18 years and even attended courses at the centre in its early years. In an instance of crazy timing, I was only in post for a matter of weeks before the Virus impacted our building, the Library closed, staff were furloughed, and the doors were locked. Now back open for bookings, it's certainly nice to hear the hum of activity again, all be it from a distance and muffled by face coverings. Unfortunately, we are still closed to drop-ins and general face to face enquiries but will be working closely with the Library and following their lead in reopening this aspect of the centre. In the meantime, we’re doing our best to manage the building safely and responsibly for our tenants, service users and bookings and look forwards to getting back on track. 8
Gem Burgoyne
Bristol Co-op Written by Lee Digpal
Local NEWS
Our Story
HOME GROWN FASHION AND ART IN ONE DIVERSE SPACE…
Bristol Co-Op stands for Bristol Co-Operative. We are a collection of local Artists & Fashion Designers, who create an array of beautiful and unique products and gifts. We are extremely proud to be providing a small platform for these talented artisans and extremely proud to offer such a wonderful curation of art, clothing, tableware, jewellery and accessories. Each item across each category is entirely bespoke and cannot be found on the High Street. The idea for Bristol Co-Op was born out of my own personal recovery from severe mental health issues. During this turbulent period of my life, in a time when I could see nothing but darkness, I was guided and supported by the NHS. For this support, I am eternally grateful, and so a core mission of Bristol Co-Op is to give back to individuals and organisations who are supporting other people navigate their way through difficult mental health challenges. This is why we donate 5% of all profits to the brilliant mental health charity, Second Step. Furthermore, as we grow and as sales increase into 2021 and beyond, it is our aim to incrementally raise our donation from the current 5%, to 6% in 2021, all the way up to 10% in 2025. We Give 5% Of All Profits To a Mental Health Charity www.Bristolco-op.org
Managing Mental Health Written by Dan Lewin
Managing Your Mental Health in Uncertain Times
Saturday 10th October is World Mental health Day and this year’s theme is ‘Mental Health for All’. This is timely, considering the lockdown and pandemic are causing increased levels of anxiety and emotional distress for many people. These are very natural emotions, especially during times of such uncertainty. It’s more important than ever to recognise how we are feeling and find ways to take care of our mental health. CASS is a local organisation that works to start conversations about mental health and challenge the stigma that often surrounds it. If you’re struggling with difficult feelings, you can head to our website www.cassbristol.org to find resources that can help. We also work with community, equality and faith groups to improve awareness of mental health and provide resources, information or online workshops that can be tailored to a group’s needs. If you’d like me to talk to your group about how members can support each other through this situation, just get in touch dan.lewin@cassbristol.org / 07400 122759 Dan Lewin, Networker for the Community Access Support Service (CASS)
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Art & Culture
Cables and Cameras Written by Gary Thompson
Cables & Cameras is a Bristol-based networking and film exhibition event for Filmmakers and Creatives of Colour. Its motivation is to encourage and empower independent Black and Brown Filmmakers / Creatives in the South West to tell their untold stories. Over the last three years C+C has grown from strength to strength with a bimonthly film night, which has created a platform and networking hub to screen, share work and explore opportunities to collaborate in the city. C & C has always provided a supportive environment for myself and other independent artists / filmmakers to share our work. It is the ideal forum in which to preview ‘I Am Judah’ and discuss its exploration of the serious issues affecting grassroots communities.’ ‘I Am Judah’ Director / Bashart Malik: “B.A.M.E. representation across the film industry is well below where it needs to be.In Bristol for example, we have a very diverse community and mix of cultures but sometimes we don’t see or hear the stories that affect us all in day-to-day life. Diversity is on everyone’s lips at the moment, the fact that there is a lack of representation in the TV and Film business is clearly visible. So, the only way to improve this situation is to build your own platforms and develop content. The industry will come to you so build your brand and identity tell your stories from your cultural backgrounds and heritage. This is the best time reach out to the production companies in the UK and build partnerships. Show your creative talents, if you’re an emerging creative of POC just reach out to your favourite filmmakers, creatives, producers, and script writers. You have nothing to lose. Cables & Cameras returns over BHM to showcase work from Bristol and the UK, and international Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME / POC) filmmaking community. The events include online conversations and screening from independent creatives. We will explore moving forward in the industry from POC experts from the TV and Film Industry. And the development of new C+C workshops and partnerships with independent creatives and agencies. So, watch this space.
Social Media
website: www.cablescameras.com instagram: cablescameras facebook: Cables-Cameras twitter: cables_cameras
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Cleo Lake, Runner Up
Politics
Written by Cleo Lake
Cleo Lake runner up in Green Party National Deputy Leader Campaign I am in part disappointed of course not to become the Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England’s & Wales, but I’ve come a very good second achieving over 30% of the vote and in doing so I’ve shown that I am a serious contender. Big thanks to my amazing campaign team and also my boyfriend encouraging me all the way from Ghana! Congratulations to all those elected, the incumbent Amelia Womack retains her position as Deputy and goes on to deliver her fourth term in office. She is a solid Deputy and it was always going to be a challenge but it is one I am sure I can win should I decide to stand in 2 years time. I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me and supported me in other ways. I really enjoyed making my campaign video with Ryan Francis from Latent Productions and we will be working together again soon I’m sure. I am also particularly encouraged at those who actually signed up to become Green Party members because they agreed with many of the policies and ethos and because they wanted to support my campaign by voting for me. Two members of the Greens of Colour group were elected onto GPEX (Green Party Executive Committee) and I am enthused that Kefentse Dennis was elected trade union rep and if I have any capacity I would like to support him in the role because if we don’t do more to bring working class communities into the party and have them vote for us, then we cannot be a feasible party with election success. I would have brought unity and a new energy to the role, that isn’t to be this time but I have plenty to keep me busy in the meantime particularly with my role as a local councillor, activist, an Avon Fire Authority member and with my fellowship at Bristol + Bath Creative R&D. I am also very energised by many young activists that I have met mainly through the ABLM (All Black Lives Matter) Bristol protests and I hope I can pass on enough to them to encourage them and work with them to force change by all means. I didn’t come into politics to topple statues but to collaborate to topple absolute privilege, inequality and the system at large that doesn’t serve the majority.
Issue 17 - Deadline
Vocalise Bristol CIC
4th December
Vocalise Bristol CIC
Please send submissions to info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk
photo Slow_cc
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St Pauls African Caribbean Carnival 2020: On-Going Digital. St Pauls African Caribbean Carnival 2020 went digital. Yes, Carnival was celebrated online, mad idea, I know! I was actively a part of the process as an Afrikan Griot Storyteller, Ceremonial Drummer, and loved every moment of it. Strangest of times indeed. I hope everybody gets and stays healthy so we can get back onto the streets to dance, sing, tell stories and celebrate, true Carnival Stylie in 2021! I contacted LaToya McAllister-Jones, Executive Director of St Pauls Carnival CIC Bristol, to enquire about the next steps. This is what she had to say.
What prompted the board to take Carnival digital and what was its impact? We cancelled Carnival on 24 March, the day after lockdown. It was a difficult decision, but the right one. We still wanted to offer something. I decided to do more research and started watching Facebook watch parties of my favourite DJs. What made it all click was watching an amazing Zoom party that Rampage of Notting Hill Carnival did. It was so visual. People were in there wearing their carnival outfits, magical, felt like I was in the room. Felt like the perfect way to reconnect with people and keep our spirits up, as we work our way through the pandemic. Everybody’s working hard to make sure we reach out to our most vulnerable and isolated community members. We decided to use Carnival as a means to reach out and reconnect. We also wanted to work with our artists who had all their summer gigs cancelled. We wanted to create a platform for our community artists to showcase their talent, spread a bit of joy while providing working opportunities. That’s how the ‘Spirit Up! United at Home’ concept for St Pauls Carnival 2020 came to life. It’s about the community coming together in a difficult time and to lift everybody’s spirit, even if we forced to celebrate from home.
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Was it a success? We’ve never done anything like this before. If you asked me a year ago, ‘How do you put carnival online?’, I wouldn’t have been able to envision that. Carnival for me and everybody else is such a live and direct experience, it’s about walking around, the sounds, the smells and for being with your people. It was a real creative challenge to attempt to recreate this vibe, but I think we did. The feedback’s been truly positive. We were able to take it out of that one day and transform it into a two-week cultural program that led up to the day. The storytelling you did was great for families with children who were at home, the talk that Edson and Nayo did on J'ouvert was enlightening for many. A Caribbean carnival cultural practice that is not done in Bristol. Over 250 000 people tuned in to watch, from as far afield as USA, Ukraine, Cypress, etc. We want to keep elements of the digital platform alive next year, even when we are back on the street, as we were able to share more of the cultural aspect and significance of Carnival that might otherwise have been missed.
Any closing comments?
We want to thank all our community, sponsors, collaborators and donors that make Carnival what it is. We are always needing ambassadors, volunteers and to fundraise. We’ll be running a Black History Month Carnival program in October. Details will be posted on our social media sites. Thank you all, get involved and let’s get ready to celebrate on the streets of St Pauls and digitally to the world in 2021.
words by //Kabbo Ferdinand
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Politics
Reparations
Written by Cleo lake The first campaign I got interested in as a young activist was in 1999 and was ‘Jubilee 2000 Drop The Debt’ which I know recognise as being related to reparations. 1999 was also the year I was a gallery assistant for the landmark exhibition ‘A Respectable Trade? Bristol and transatlantic slavery.’ It was through visiting that exhibition that many Bristolians were made more aware about the extent of chattel enslavement, how African people were dehumanised, robbed of identities and brutally tortured with an end goal of money making, elite empire building in the west and subjugating a people for centuries. Genetic dispositions cannot always be undone, but poverty can, and whilst reparations goes beyond financial compensation, money and equity is a big part of it. The motion that I have brought to Bristol City Council calls for a lobby towards an all party parliamentary commission of inquiry into truth and reparatory justice, as a starting point to scope out and determine how reparations would be implemented. This is one of the main demands made by long-standing campaigners from the Stop The Maangamizi Campaign who have along with myself and former Green MEP and current councillor at Lambeth Scott Ainslie, in part co-authored the motion. The motion also has local tangible calls that include the implementation of the One Bristol Curriculm into all schools including private fee paying ones and more support for black led institutions in the city. Sadly the the motion was blocked from being heard at the Full Council meeting held on the 8th of September, it was however very encouraging to have been able to mobilise people to submit questions and statements of support and almost 200 were received including from the Afrikan Connexions Consortium represented by Sister Jendayi Serwah who said of the meeting : ‘Regrettably the motion did not get passed. What people need to understand is the Bristol elements are important but there was a missed opportunity to start a National dialogue by supporting the call for the All Party Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry. Unfortunately Bristol goes down in history for the wrong reasons on this occasion’ Reparations is specific and should be named. The process of repair starts with a formal acknowledgement of the harm done. This cannot be hidden amongst equalities, inclusion or diversity jargon. I am determined to bring it back to council as soon as possible and will need support once it does come back as this is a collective effort. It needs to be public, it needs to be passed so that Bristol can join the other authorities of Islington and Lambeth who made history and took us further down the road of reconciliation when they passed reparations motions in July. In the meantime I’m also part of a charitable organisation Reparations Bristol and our first mission is to support our young people to achieve their GCSEs. https://www.facebook.com/BristolReparations The motion can be viewed here: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/moderngov Please email Cleo to give your views and to stay updated on the issue cllr.cleo.lake@bristol.gov.uk
Farewell from DMAC
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Written by Victoria Pearl Bone It is with great sadness that we announce Dmac has left Hamilton House. It has been our home for 12 years and the place of our birth but due to Covid-19 guidelines it is no longer viable to stay. We leave with an abundance of wonderful memories in our hearts and so much gratitude to the thousands of people who moved with us in this space. To the local community, teachers, healers, students, general public, children and families we thank you for your part in helping make Dmac the incredible multicultural Dance Music Arts Collective it is today. We look forward to seeing you all again in our next adventure and are actively looking for new premises, if anyone has any leads or contacts for a venue that might be suitable for DMAC’s next home please email directors@dmacuk.com In the meantime keep moving because we are still dedicated to the reconstruction and maintenance of your vibrational make-up.
Star and Garter Family Day
Local NEWS
Written by //Kabbo Ferdinand
The Star & Garter Kids and family day 2020 @33 Brook Street Montpelier pub “on the green” On saturday the 29th of August 2020 The Star & Garter pub hosted a kids and family day. They wanted to do something special that would bring everyone together after lockdown. It was a beautiful communitty event and although it was well attended. What’s great is tempatures were taken on the gate, social distancing was in place and the security was really tight which ensured that people without children could not enter so they did not exceed numbers. We can say that it was a great community succes. We caught up with the owner Malcolm Haynes who told us “ The main attractions were the Helter-skelter and fairground rides which was only £1 per ride, alongside a Steel Pan band, the dancing dinosaur, gnomes, bouncy castles, stalls and African drumming workshops which meant there was something for the whole family to do. Throughout the day and supported by Docklands youth club and DET Entertainment Bristol’s Got Talent provided a fantstaic range of cutral arts & crafts and olympic games and medals. On the basketball court and on stage we saw a wide range of youth artists, dj’s storytelling, spoken word, dance workshops and local artists including Wish & The Embassy who showcased the community spirit and diverse talent in St Pauls. It was our 1st event so we welcome any feedback, we want to thank everyone who came and supported us in any capacity and we really look forward to doing it all again as we now hope to make this an annual event The Star & Garter is here for the communuity so thank you for your continued support “
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Local News
Work commences on ‘The Green Way’ St Pauls
Colourful transformations are beginning across St Pauls. The culmination of a two-year co-designand-build collaboration between The Architecture Centre, St Pauls Learning Centre, St Pauls Adventure Playground, Talo and the local people of St Pauls. Artist team Graft have begun painting murals at three community hubs. The designs are inspired by the local community, selected from over 50 recipe submissions describing soul foods that represent the diverse communities of St Pauls. Georgina Bolton, Project Lead for The Architecture Centre, who has produced the project in collaboration with local partners explains,
The recipes submitted during the digital campaign have gone on to inspire permanent artworks on the Green Way which reflect and celebrate the diversity and culinary heritage of the area. The three recipes selected are Amina’s Samosas, Glen’s Akee and Saltfish and Tara’s Dolma.
“We want to inspire people to walk and cycle through St Pauls whilst transforming local social and community businesses and creating places to gather and play. In our first phase of work at the start of lockdown, we planted trees, now we’re onto phase two - painting murals along the ‘Green Way’ inspired by local recipes and cultural soul foods. The final phase will feature infrastructure changes to connect existing community hubs to their green spaces and creating places for communities to gather, eat, park bikes and enjoy nature. Explore the route this Autumn to take in the vibrant murals and transformations at St Pauls Adventure Playground, St Pauls Learning Centre and the Halston Drive Community Room.”
many different food cultures you see in St Pauls. To have my Kurdish Dolma recipe as a permanent feature in the local community is a recognition of my culture. Having this Dolma recipe for all the community to see and share feels like an act of love and acknowledgement for my Kurdish roots. It is a celebration of the love for food amongst the different communities of St Pauls and I’m looking forward to cooking the other recipes represented at the other sites.’
Local architect Shankari Raj has been working with local people on the project, working with them to think about how these community spaces can be better connected through design. Shankari Raj explains: “The Green Way Project is an
Graft’s mural designs feature the winning recipes and include ingredients such as vine leaves, palms, banana leaves, hibiscus, chilli peppers and sweet chestnuts. The designs also use a colour scheme part designed by the children and young people of St Pauls (ages 5-12 years).
amazing opportunity to connect creativity with capital development, for local artists and communities to create permanent changes to the local area. Inspired by food as a common language that nourishes and connects us - this project has the power to bring us together even when we are apart. The route encourages pedestrians to take a less polluted route through St Pauls ‘‘The Green Way’ - in a time when engaging with green spaces and their value has never been so important.”
The project started back in March 2019 with 12 months of community workshops and events, including street side engagement with young people along ‘The Green Way’ route. In a ‘Making it Work(shop) local communities joined forces with local architects, planners and urban designers to co-design ideas for meaningful public realm improvements to their local neighbourhood. 16
The Architecture Centre then led successful fundraising for the project around ‘The Green Way’ vision. Continuing the engagement with local communities the partners launched a ‘What is Your Soul Food?’ online competition through Spring 2020 which saw over 200 people enjoying and sharing recipes with neighbours in lockdown.
Heather Myatt, heather@weareplaster.com Corinna Ingram, corinna@weareplaster.com
Local recipe winner Tara Miran comments: “I love the
(Tara’s Dolma recipe will be featured at Halston Drive Community Room).
This project connects community creativity with capital development and design, whilst celebrating the role of food in the district of St Pauls by encouraging local Bristolians to take pictures of the recipe murals and bring them to life in their own homes.
Thoughts from an Oldie
Written by Hilary Finch Kids are back at school, pubs are reopening, you can get a haircut now and even travel if you wish to take such a chance! The dreaded virus keeps us on our toes (as do the government with all their back sliding and changes) but we are fortunate in Bristol to have a fairly low number of covid cases. Personally I am staying put. I have been as far as Bath and wandered around our area having a drink at the Star and Garter or the Old England once or twice. Kate Stanley kindly invited me to the reopening of the Duke of York which was fun seeing familiar faces again. As I write this I am waiting for some paint to dry on an old canvas so I can embark on a new acrylic painting of my garden. I found a couple of mounted canvases lying about in Montpelier which was handy. I have given one a couple of coats of white acrylic paint to cover up the original image – advertising for tea. I love finding stuff to reuse that is just sitting there waiting for someone to pick up. I have found plants, fabric and a very useful wooden thing with a couple of drawers and spaces for letters, papers or books. Some years ago I grabbed a broken down old red drum that was thrown out that has been home to one of my Japanese anenomies and a thriving vinca. Well, I have probably used more paint to cover this old canvas than it would have cost to buy a virgin one! Back to the garden which I have been working on now for 11 years. It is work but enjoyable and though I am finding it more tiring now as I get older, it is well worth doing. Bending, walking up and down, digging, reaching up to prune a tree, then perhaps standing and pondering on the results. A place to sit and dream or watch nature doing it's thing. Noticing the changes in the vegetation through weather and time. I move plants about sometimes for their colour, sometimes because I think they will do better in a sunnier or shadier position. I find winters hard so I have painted my garden furniture and gave another coat to my old green shed. Colour for those months when I stare out of my kitchen window while the kettle boils. My cyclamen have already started to flower. I can see those deep red little beauties when I am sitting, having breakfast. I will leave my equally red but fading hydrangea flowers on until spring. There is a jasmine I grow against the shed wall that has leaves that go red in the winter, but stay on. (I don't remember the name, sorry!) These little details are important to me. My front room which is my studio, sewing space, office and living room has usually got cars right in front of my window nose first! The disadvantage of off road parking! Much more interesting watching the birds flit in and out of the apple tree to and fro between the feeders and perhaps line up by the the bird bath or my pond. The different species all get on down on the floor pecking for the seeds or bread I also put out for them. The magpies can upset the peace sometimes trying to claim the area. On a different note, I have a good home and I felt guilty for a while during this epidemic as I nurture myself in isolation. So many people doing things in the community to help while I contemplate the birds, bees and myself. However, I have done quite a lot of volunteering in the past that has had to stop and I have kept up my contact with Vocalise during this period so feel I do a little towards the community. But thanks to all you good souls doing the food parcels, the ones who help families in difficulties and all the people who care and tidy up after us.
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Regular Feature
St Pauls Advice Centre
Written by Caroline Matthews, Development
As the community continues to navigate the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond, the team at St Pauls Advice Centre is still providing free, professional advice to residents of St Pauls and East Bristol.
Warm Home Discount Scheme You could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter 2020 to 2021 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The scheme will open on 12 October 2020. The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between September and March. You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity. Contact your supplier to find out. The discount will not affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment. There are 2 ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme: If you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit - known as the ‘core group’ If you’re on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme - known as the ‘broader group’ If you buy your energy from a participating supplier and are eligible for the core group, you should receive a letter confirming that you will be receiving the discount automatically. The letter may request that you phone a helpline to confirm your details, but usually you will not need to take action. If you think you are eligible for the Core Group and have not received a letter from the DWP by December, phone the Warm Home Discount Scheme helpline on 0800 731 0214 to check. Do this as soon as possible, as the DWP may be unable to process a claim where information is given late. Claiming for the broader group is not automatic and requires you to apply directly to your supplier. Suppliers may have slightly different qualifying criteria and application processes, so contact your supplier directly to enquire about their scheme. Most suppliers open applications for the broader group over summer and fill places on a first come, first served basis, so it is best to contact your supplier as early as possible. Pre-pay or pay-as-you-go meters You can still qualify for the discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter. Your electricity supplier can tell you how you’ll get the discount if you’re eligible, for example a voucher you can use to top up your meter.
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Are you coming off Furlough and facing redundancy?
Regular Feature
The Government’s furlough scheme ends completely on October 31, 2020. According to the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, as many as 1.2m people could be made redundant by the end of the year. If this applies to you, it’s important to know your rights. There is a lot of employment law governing workers’ rights if an employer is planning redundancies. Your company must follow a strict process for it to be legal. Your rights have not changed as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Among those is the right to a consultation with your employer, which involves speaking to them about why you’re being laid off and whether there are any alternatives. On July 31, a new law came into force ensuring that furloughed workers receive redundancy pay based on their normal wages and not at a reduced rate. If your income has or is going to drop because of redundancy, it’s important to look at how this will affect your rent and living costs. If you are struggling to pay your rent or fear falling into arrears,now is the time to get advice; help is out there for you. Organisations like St Pauls Advice Centre can check that you are receiving all your entitlements, help you manage any arrears or debts that you have and help you remain secure in your home. The information in this article is correct at the time of writing and is given in good faith. It is important to obtain professional advice relating to your individual circumstances. Contact St Pauls Advice Centre for help on 0117 955 2981
Affected by Covid-19?
Friendly, local & here to help
We are still OPEN for free, expert phone advice. We can help you manage money worries and more. If you have debt, including rent arrears and overpayments, don’t delay. Call or email us and an adviser will be in touch.
Are you an EU Citizen?
As well as phone advice, the office is now open some days for enquiries. Check our up-to-date opening times on our website or at facebook.com/stpaulsadvice
You need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) to ensure you retain entitlements to benefits, housing and more.
We are a registered charity, no 1083010
In the event of a no deal Brexit the closing date is 31 December 2020 so DON’T DELAY. We can help. Call us on 0117 955 2981
Tel: 0117 955 2981 Email: enquiries@stpaulsadvice.org.uk Web: www.stpaulsadvice.org.uk 19
The One Love Jam Written by Lynn mareno
Food is always an essential part of the 2 day event ( the first 2 day event was this year ) with a Philippine stall for the first time along with the usual Caribbean and English food hubs set up between Wilder St. and the end of Grosvenor Road.
Jocelyn “Smithy” Smith of Smiths Travel and Shipping has served the Carbbean, African, British and Asian heritage along with other ethnic communities since 2008 offering travel ,shipping , and money transfer to many parts of the world. His ethos in giving back to the community as well as supporting all artist from all background and race, mainly targeting Black African heritage artists within the community comes across quite strongly when discussing the idea that has turned into an annual event. Beginning in 2017, the idea came about spontaneously to hold an event that represented the artists that for the best part, are not recognised in Bristol or mainstream as much as they could be. Many of the artist’s, mostly grass roots DJ’s, came on board for that first event and saw that they could structure it better for the following year. An idea that with planning, paid off. The next year in 2018 was much bigger this time with the addition of a committee which was formed to plan the event even better with community radio station Ujima 98 fm, the Council along with the police on board to help create an atmosphere that saw a community transracial, trans-cultural audience success.
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The latest one this year which takes place on the same date every August bank Holiday weekend, and because of COVID-19, was much more restricted with restrictions put in place to satisfy the city council as well as Avon & Somerset Police constabulary with health and safety measures and social distancing firmly prioritized and put in place. The only sad thing about this year’s event was that the organizers, were not allowed to have a stage due to restrictions. “The Talent in the community is outstanding and the One Love Jam event was born out of that idea. To represent mainly the Caribbean, African community artists and welcome all other ethnicity to showcase themselves’ says Smithy who’s enthusiasm to bring people from all cultures, races and backgrounds is evident to see when I went along to this years event. Wilder Street business residents have patronised and supported the event since the beginning to promote the event with the 2nd one in 2018 seeing the big mural go up with the landlord’s permission. All to promote
harmony and inclusion within the St. Pauls Community. “ The first year was ok but we did not have a chance to promote or market it the way we could of” Smithy says as he reflected on how far the event has come attracting people as artists and festival goers as far away as London, Wales and Birmingham. Smithy says that the important thing to understand is this is about giving the platform to local artists from Bristol mainly and to open the door for those artists to promote themselves in the way that other artists from mainstream get recognition in Bristol and beyond. Bristol music is recognised all over the world as the Bristol sound, which, for younger artists promotes a positive focus with the opportunity to showcase themselves especially in a positive light amongst the negative influences they can become exposed too. The One Love Jam is dependant on artist’s volunteering their time but also, the local black community giving back which Smithy emphasises, One Love Jam needing the support of people supporting the black Pound which can help small black businesses become more sustainable. The O-L-J gives small businesses that have stalls at the event , the opportunity to promote and market themselves which means, every one is happy . The Black Lives Matter movement impacted on O-L-J this year as a way of bringing a transracial connection with representation for the artists and visitors themselves promoting a positive encouragement. The theme is always, PEACE , LOVE, RESPECT, UNITY, EQUALITY AND FUN. The Core contribution for the organisers to help make each year bigger and better. Even with social distancing in place, this year was the biggest One Love Jam to date.
Carnival Programme Spirit Up: Carnival Ketch a Fyah Over-standing Carnival Past, Present, Future Events will be pre-records viewed online
Fix Up Fa Carnival from the 12th –29th October online Carnival costumes through the ages feat costume making, performance and panel discussion on Carnival and climate change
Warrior Dance 12th -29th online Hip Hop, Capoeira, Reggae/Dancehall are some of the dance forms at the heart of Carnival. Through fun filled demonstrations we discover the importance of these dance forms to Black Resistance struggles over the years.
Education: Knowledge is power 18th October BOV live An intergenerational panel discussion exploring the lack of Black History in schools and the steps that are being taken to remedy the situation and how Carnival has been a grass roots curriculum in African Caribbean culture.
Lyrikal warriors 23rd October BOV live A night of performance celebrating the role of oral tradition in Black history from calypso through hip hop featuring some of Bristol’s finest wordsmiths.
Supporting the continuation of teaching and learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Supporting the continuation of teaching and learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Annotated resources for online learning
Fernando Reimers, Global Education Innovation Initiative, Har vard University Andreas Schleicher, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Jaime Saavedra, The World Bank Saku Tuominen, HundrED
© OECD 2020
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Get yourself connected Written By Anna Ruggiero Hey there readers.
It’s good to be back writing my feel-good articles which I hope will inspire a smile during these slightly curious times. With all the change that’s going on in the world right now, it’s no surprise that many of us have been left feeling isolated and dis-connected. For me, lockdown has made me realise the areas of my life that I want to change and the importance of time alone to connect with what makes me genuinely happy. Like many, I really struggled at first. I didn’t realise that for years, I’d lost myself in ‘keeping busy’ and once all the busy plans were taken away from me, I felt lost.
Photo by . liane . on Unsplash
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
However, once I started to show gratitude for what I DID have in my life, things began to improve. I had more energy and realised all the things that I liked about my myself and all the things I enjoyed doing such baking (eating the mix), stroking dogs, bombing about on my bike, growing herbal tea, spending ages in the kitchen and being a part of my local community helping others. I was keen to find out a bit more about connection and why it’s so important for our wellbeing, so I got chatting to Dr. Joy Lovesey who is a Bristol-based healer and teacher specialising in self-love and inner child work. She explained: “Connection is an absolute necessity for human thriving; if we don’t have it, we can’t be truly well. “Some do better without the company of other people and can thrive without much social contact. “These are not people who do not need connection, or who are thriving without the medicine of connection: they are finding connection - either to self or source. “We can bridge the gap created by social distancing when we cultivate a connection to oneself, or to a higher power. “For anyone curious about or ready to explore their “inner” connection, helpful tools you can use include time in nature, self-love work, inner child work, meditation, and prayer, and it may be a good time to use the services of a therapeutic practitioner to get you started.
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“This can give you support and resources to find a source of connection that is not dependent on outer circumstances, so you can find resilience, grace, and purpose even through great challenges and suffering, which are always an opportunity for meaningful growth. ” I was also keen to find out how people whose lives are centred around connecting with others through music and dance have adapted. Dee Jarlett who runs the Gasworks Studio, a hive of music and dance in St Werburgh’s happily explained: “Singing, playing the violin and dancing are my main pursuits - some professional, some for fun! “I’ve been doing a friends informal five rhythms dancing group for 20 years now, and I make the playlists twice a week. We all move freely to the music to find out how our bodies, mind and soul are. “I continued to make playlists every Monday and Friday morning using music to nourish and calm ourselves.
Photo by jurien huggins on Unsplash
“I found a deep advanced setting in Zoom so that people could play the music directly from my computer and it sounded good at home through their speaker, and we had virtual coffee afterwards. “Playing the violin was next and with “Strings and Things” we did one Zoom meeting and realised how unsatisfactory that was so with hearts filled with joy we met in the garden, and later on distance spaced in my studio, feeling quite safe with a maximum of 10 people and open windows and doors blowing fresh air around us. “My band Swithin hated rehearsing on Zoom, so we were soon out in the garden jamming together, and recently we did a gig in the studio with a small spaced audience and people outside. “It was a real treat to be performing and took us all away from this new world of restriction and regulation to one of harmony and instrumental playing. Everyone had a great time.” At a time when life can feel slightly out of your control, it’s really important to try and stay as centred within yourself as you can and realise your true potential. Alongside practising gratitude, I journal daily which helps me to stay grounded. I’ve also started to work for a cause I feel very passionate about which makes me feel connected to myself, others and gives me a great sense of belonging. I know it’s not always so black and white nor easy, but if you’re feeling disconnected, maybe it’s time to look inward and feel that connection to yourself. It may not change the world, but it can change your world and who knows where that can lead….
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Kids Activities Hallowe’en is just around the corner so we’ve got some fun planned for the spooky season! Did you know that Hallowe’en has been celebrated in some way for 2000 years! The 31st October used to mark the end of Summer and the start of a New Year. The Celts believed that ghosts roamed the earth on this night so would light bonfires and dress in costumes. Just as we do today! Draw some faces on these pumpkins send us yours to info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk
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Can you unscramble these letters to work out the Hallowe’en themed words?
_____
Hallowe’en Hunt
IWCHT
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ MUKIPPN ______
WESTES
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ AVPIMRE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ BOOCTRE
Rather than trick or treating this year, to keep our community safe and socially distance we have a wonderful idea. Why not put a picture of a pumpkin in your window, or a real one on your doorstep so children can hunt for pumpkins! No need for door knocking and parents/guardians could provide a reward for the number of pumpkins found. Please keep up to date on current goverment guidelines!
Hallowe’en jokes Why didn’t the skeleton eat his sweets? He didn’t have the stomach for it! What do you get when you drop a pumpkin? Squash! Where do ghosts go on holiday? Mali-boo!
Can you find all the leaves we’ve hidden in the magazine?
Spiritually speaking, Autumn represents the Harvest time of year, a time to acknowledge growth and expansion as a natural evolution of being. Our lives go through cycles of growth, harvest, death, and rebirth just as we see in nature. Vandna, Director
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Recipe
Vegan Thai Green Curry 1 large onion or spring onions Garlic 1 lime 3 celery stalks 500ml coconut milk green veg e.g.- mange tout, broccoli, spinach fresh coriander Thai Green paste Tofu Veggie Stock cube
Method- the curry 1) Chop the onion and celery and fry unitl soft 2) Add some crushed garlic and the thai green paste and give a good stir- I used store bought paste but their are some great recipes online if you fancy making it from scratch! 3) Stir in the coconut milk and taste. Add more paste or milk depending on your spice preference. 4) Add the veggies you have chosen and allow to simmer in the milk for 15 minutes 5) Serve with shredded corriander and a good squeeze of lime
Method- the tofu 1) Cut your tofu into fork-sized pieces and preheat your oven to 180 2) In a pan add just enough hot water to cover the tofu, add half a veg stock cube and a spoonful of thai paste to the water. You can add the other half of the cube to your curry to give it extra depth of flavour! 3) Allow the tofu to boil in the liquid for 10 minutes 4) Transfer the tofu onto baking tray and bake in the oven for 20 minutes, turning once. This give the tofu a delicious crisp outside and soft centre- without it needing to be fried in lots of oil.
Top Tips Use broccoli stalks chopped in your curry. it saves waste and adds a delicious texture and flavour. Too thick? Add stock or more milk Too thin? A little cornflour and water will fix this or try using coconut cream not milk
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This curry goes great with rice, quinoa and even noodles. Words and images Hollyanne Schnieden
Scrapbook Project Written by Anna Cunningham
Local NEWS
The Scrapbook project is a yearlong collaboration between children, who attended a weekly photo-club at St Paul’s legendary Adventure Playground in the heart of Bristol, and the photographer and film maker Esther May Campbell. The photo-club explored how children engage with the world through imagination and play using black and white analogue photography to capture their energy and enthusiasm. The absence of rules is central to Scrapbook, encouraging playfulness and creative freedom where children and adults learn from one another. It is a powerful reminder of the strength in community and the importance of imagination, creativity and play. The Scrapbook project resulted in a heart-warming and joyous exhibition, held at the adventure playground which displayed images taken at the photo-club and brought the community of St Paul’s and Bristol back together after months of being apart. It was beautiful to witness the children and their families engaging with the work which many of them had been part of. The majority of the exhibition took place outside with photos displayed in and around the playground equipment. This created a playful environment as children searched for themselves, their friends and family in the photos, sometimes seeing the images for the first time; their excitement was palpable. Tears were shed as visitors exclaimed how happy they were to see photos of children playing again after so many months of lockdown. The exhibition was a huge success, perfectly encapsulating the beauty of the children’s imagination and demonstrating the vital importance of facilitating spaces, like St Paul’s. The Scrapbook exhibition is exactly what was needed during these times. Fortunately, the images stay alive in the stunning photo-book, Scrapbook, which includes images from the exhibition with all the money from the book going back to the playground. The photo-book is a testament to the collaboration between the children and Esther. The children’s involvement throughout the project is obvious as you will see from the book. With the majority of the exhibition being outside children actively searched for themselves, their friend and family in the photos, sometimes seeing the images for the first time; the/their excitement was palpable. It was beautiful to witness the children and their families engaging with the work which many of them had been part of. The excitement was palpable as children searched, for themselves, their friends and family in the photos, throughout the playground, sometimes seeing the images for the first time.
27 Photo Scott Webb, Unsplash
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