ISSUE 28/AUTUMN 2023
VOCALISE
FREE
YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FOR: ST. PAULS, ST. WERBURGHS, ST. AGNES, MONTPELIER
OCTOBER - DECEMBER
This is YOUR community magazine if you’d like to be involved get in touch!
Welcome!
info@vocalisemagazine.org
Welcome to the autumn edition of Vocalise, the community magazine for St. Pauls, St. Werburghs, St. Agnes and Montpelier. A big hello from us here at Vocalise! As we begin to see the leaves paint our streets with shades of autumn, and the breeze gradually crispen, we embrace another seasonal change. In consideration of this years black history month, we celebrate the beautiful range of stories and news our local community has to offer. Including a piece about the Bristol Bus Boycott, a historically pivotal moment for the people of Bristol that changed UK Civil rights for the better. This autumn edition contains a diverse range of read’s. From local stories about St Werburgh’s community centre, to thoughts from an oldie, we have lots in store for you this month! Cerys
Happy Festive season from the Vocalise Team!
6 7 8-9 10 11 12 13 14-15 16-17 4-5
Welcome Local Artist: Sophia Checkley The Time, The Place Farm Fair 2023 The Bristol Bus Boycott St Werburghs Community Centre Book Review Bristol Steppin Sistas Thoughts from an Oldie Save The Dentist St Paul's Community St. Pauls Learning Centre
@vocaliseBristol @vocaliseBristol Published by: Vocalise Bristol CIC Backfields House Upper York Street Bristol BS2 8QJ
Vocalise Bristol CIC
Co-ordinated and designed by: Julia Widz Thanks to all our volunteers and directors. Vandna Mehta (Founder) Judit Davis (Director) Hilary Finch (Director) Julia Widz (Project Coordinator) Ian Jones Lucille Smith George Dunn Bob Lawson Cerys Owen Also special Thanks to all our contributors. Front cover: Fecking Birds by Lucas Antics.
Contents 2 3
vocalisemagazine.org
18 Mohamed Errebbeaa 19 Frome Getaway 20-21 Children Scrapstore 22 Ursa Returns 23 What's On 24-25 Puzzles and Sudoku 26 Your Councillors Say 27 Update from the Police
Vectors and photos from: Vecteezy.com.
Please reuse this magazine. Share it,
LOCAL ARTIST
Introducing... Sophia Checkley Hello! I'm Sophia, an artist based in Bristol. My methods encompass a mixture of type, layering, shapes and textures. The outcomes are generally conceptual. I thoroughly enjoy the challenge of communicating a story to the viewer, without it being too figurative. So far in my career, I have been commissioned for editorial illustrations, logos, menu designs, posters, sticker designs, maps, clothing, and album covers. I am regularly commissioned by two Bristol based companies; The Mazi Project and The Bristol Cable. They both do great work in Bristol and you should check them out! I started a clothing company last year called Yard Weeds. I would describe it as the drawings and ideas that work up to bigger design projects. I would love to experiment with second hand clothing to make it more sustainable, that feels particularly important to me. Thanks for stopping by and reading my bio! If you're interested in seeing more of my work, you can find me on Instagram at: @sophia_checkley @yardweeds
Do you want to promote your business or event? Vocalise reaches over 10,000 residents per issue.
Get in touch...
Do you want to support your local area? Vocalise has the community at its heart
Advertise Here!
info@vocalisemagazine.org
LOCAL NEWS
The Time, The Place Walk to the top of Watercress Road, past the city farm paddocks with their chilledout goats and rooting pigs, and you’ll find a lane. Take a left, and swing in at the large metallic gates. Propagation Place polytunnels squat to your side and, just ahead, there’s a little open space called The Yard. Welcome to Allotment Country Ashley Vale allotments to be precise one of the lushest and greenest parts of St Werburghs. And to prove the point, Vocalise is visiting to attend the 2023 Allotment Produce Show. As you read this, the murky days of Autumn will have crept back up on us, but today, on the first Sunday of September, the sunflowers are still perky and the air is warm and bright. A double row of tables has been set up under flags and bunting, and on the tables, cloths, and on the cloths individual slates with neatly capitalised categories. For this is a celebration of allotmenting in all its forms, everything grown locally here this season, from the proudest products to the funniest failures. This is where the best-looking veg rub shoulders with the weirdest (and rudest) looking, where Five Best Apples sit smugly next to Five Best Potatoes and the jams and jellies battle out with their savoury nemeses the pickles and chutneys. There’s even a ‘Best Oops it doesn’t fit in a Category’ category! Anyway, Vegetables Assemble, and in the background (rhubarb rhubarb) the season is dissected. A topsy-turvy one- hot and dry when it should have been wet, wet when it should have been hot and dry. 4
written by Ian Jones
Good for beans and raspberries, apparently, less so for potatoes and onions. I tried growing some fruit and veg myself this year, but mainly ended up growing the slugs and snails that feasted on said fruit and veg, so I’m full of admiration. There are hampers, there are bouquets, there’s a sweet potato that looks like an anaconda and a fabulous marrow which will be a shoo-in for the heaviest vegetable. And as we are feasting our eyes on all this, - Roll Up Roll Up Roll Up! - up rolls (literally, in a wheelbarrow) the largest, most pumpedup pumpkin I’ve ever seen! The mothership has truly landed, grown, amazingly, from a single seed supplied by the Real Seed Company. We watch in awe as the mighty fruit (I know, I thought it was a vegetable too) is manouvred onto the table. The marrow might as well go home now. After that, it’s all a bit of a blur. There’s a tasting of the jams and the chutneys by some eager volunteers. Pigsty Morris provide energetic distraction with hankies, bells and sticks. Then, the moment we’ve all been waiting for, we’re introduced to The Judges, Tim, Maddy and Beth; three experts who clearly know their onions, and, hopefully, a fair bit about fruit as well. There’s no grand announcements, the certificates say it all. So congratulations Jodie and George on your Spectacular Squash. But also, you know, it’s not just the winning, it’s the taking part, and I’m pleased to report that George’s Marrow was Highly Commended too.
LOCAL NEWS
Farm Fair
St Werburghs City Farm welcomes back their popular Farm Fair for the first time since 2019!
Located in central Bristol, St Werburghs City Farm is a well-loved place to meet, explore and relax. Alongside being a small-scale urban farm with animals, green spaces, and food growing, the Farm also offers a range of community services. On Saturday 23rd of September, the area surrounding Watercress Road was filled with music from brilliant bands and up-and-coming musicians, delicious food from local vendors, family activities, and Bristol Samba leading the procession through the two tunnels - a highlight of the event!
"We want to give a special thanks to all of our fantastic performers who have donated their time and talent to be part of the day. And to all of our wonderful volunteers who supported the smooth running of the event, we couldn't have done it without them!" Looking forward to the next Farm Fair already? Mark your calendars for June 8th, 2024! But before that, don't miss out on our Winter Fair on the 2nd of December. Watercress Road will again be filled with local traders and music, so come on out and support your community!
Usually, the Farm Fair would take place in June, but as the Farm was booked as a filming location for the Bristol-based series ‘Outlaws’ during that time, the Fair was moved to September. The staff team at the Farm has been excited about bringing back the fair after a 4-year hiatus due to the pandemic and is happy to share that it was a great success!
Open 7 days a week, St Werburghs City Farm offers a range of events and opportunities for people of all ages. Stay up to date with their opening times and upcoming events at www. swcityfarm.co.uk or follow them on social media @stwerburghscityfarm
“I'm so glad that we could bring back the Farm Fair this year! It's a really important fundraiser for us - all profits from the Fair go directly back to the Farm and help us to keep our animals fed and well looked after, as well as providing vital funds to carry out community projects that support local people,” explains Jess Clynewood, Farm Co-Director
5
LOCAL PROJECT
The Bristol Bus Boycott The Bristol Bus Boycott Begins On April 28 1963, when the Bristol Omnibus company rejected Guy Bailey for a job because of his skin colour, Bristol stood up and marched for equal rights and justice. Inspired by the activism of Rosa Parks, the Bristol Bus Boycott was led by Paul Stephenson, Roy Hackett, Audley Evans, Owen Henry, and Prince Brown. Supported by Bristol's black, brown, and white communities, the boycott defeated the colour bar on August 28 1963, the day Martin Luther King gave his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. With the support of Bristol East MP Tony Benn, this victory led to the creation of the Race Relations Act of 1965, and today, its legacy sits at the heart of the Equalities Act 2010.
The Bristol Bus Boycott Takeover is Born In the true spirit of activism, 60 days before the 60th anniversary, Curiosity UnLtd, a talent think tank for Changemakers, organised a gathering at Sparks that brought together community, civic, cultural and corporate leaders. This is where the Big Bristol Bus Boycott Takeover was born. Open to all, this is an ambitious collaboration with 60 change-making individuals and businesses committed to honouring 60 years of the Bus Boycott in 60 ways. Julz Davis, Disruptor-In-Chief at Curiosity UnLtd, said, "Bristol is blessed as it's a city that stands on the shoulders of giants with a proud tradition of being home to radical racial changemakers. In the year that Bristol is 650 years old and in a year of many anniversaries, the Bristol Bus Boycott stands heads and shoulders above the rest." 6
written by Julian Davis
Having officially launched it on Jamaica Independence Day and running throughout and beyond Black History Month, Julz is pleased with how The Big Bristol Bus Boycott Takeover is shaping up. He said, "So far, from pop-up exhibitions, fire-side chats, street murals to bus wraps, a grand civic thankyou ceremony, a giant card to Martin Luther King and even stained-glass windows, lots of good stuff has already happened. Thanking The Bristol Bus Boycotters Reflecting on the recent Big Bristol Thankyou ceremony, Julz seemed particularly pleased with how it went. Held on August 30, this was a day of tributes dedicated to honouring the Bristol Bus Boycott pioneers, their achievements and their legacy. The day began with First Bus exclusively unveiling the winning design of its Drive For Change campaign. Inspired by the boycott, this commemorative double-decker bus will be in service for a year and take a different daily route. Following a guided bus tour of Black heritage sites, at its final destination, St Mary Redcliffe Church, guests were greeted by a civic delegation of the Lord-Left-Lieutenant, the High Sheriff and the Bishop of Bristol.
The ceremony officially began with a powerful poetic performance by Miles Chambers positioned high on the balcony. Led by Guy Bailey and Barbra Dettering, a mock protest of Boycott and Windrush pioneers marched proudly down the church aisle whilst the
COMMUNITY NEWS Renewal Choir sang. This was followed by speeches which included an unreserved apology from the Bishop of Bristol, Rt. Revd. Vivienne Faull said, "I acknowledge with shame the opposition to the boycott of the then Bishop of Bristol, my predecessor and of the Council of Churches. The Bus Boycott in 1963 reminds me that my Church abjectly failed to see Jesus in those exploited, marginalised and oppressed. I am sorry and ashamed.'
Come dressed as your favourite revolutionary hero or in your best 1960s attire! All are welcome. To register, email activearchivestours@gmail.com. Julz is pleased to share that on October 2, as one of the keynote speakers at this year's Breaking Boundaries Conference, he'll share his thoughts on how to be radical about achieving racial equity in the Aerospace sector. Avon and Somerset Police invite schools and the public to rename one of its horses after one of the Bristol Bus Boycott Pioneers. There's also a chance for one lucky person to win a £100 shopping voucher to spend in Cabot Circus. Voting closes at 5pm October 8 https://shorturl.at/klwE2
During the Thankyou presentation, each of the pioneers and their surviving family members received 60 messages of thanks that had been crowd-sourced from the people of Bristol. The ceremony was then officially closed when the Vicar of St Mary Redcliffe Church, Dan Tyndall, revealed a set of four new stained-glass windows, one of which features an iconic scene from the Bristol Bus Boycott. Talking with infectious enthusiasm about The Big Thankyou event, Julz teased that with Black History Month on the horizon, there is more to come from the Big Bristol Bus Boycott Takeover. Here's a snapshot of his top suggested events for your diaries. Boycott Dates As part of National Inclusion Week, on September 28 at City Hall, the Big Bristol Bus Boycott Takeover has teamed up with Race & the City 3. Join us for a free programme of public events tackling issues around exploring race, representation and ideas and answers on tackling race inequality in the workplace. On September 30. The Art of Liberation invites you to participate in an animated commemorative walk with placards made by local artists.
Inspired by the boycott during the halfterm break, ACE CIC and the Bristol Beacon have teamed up for Anthem For Change. Together, they will co-create a song and a music video on 'How to make Bristol the best place for young people of colour by 2030? From Oct 16th - 31st, the pop-up exhibition The 'Struggle Continues' will proudly exhibit in Sparks in Broadmead. Featuring photography from Karl Ritchie and other artefacts sourced from grassroots communities, this exhibition will honour many of the hidden stories and moments of those involved in the boycott and other unsung Windrush pioneers. Beyond The Bristol Bus Boycott Finally, here's a couple more top things to do. If you've not already done so, check out the new Bristol Bus Boycott-inspired stainglass window at St Mary Redcliffe Church. You might head to RWA Bristol to view the bust of Carmen Beckford, Bristol's first Race Relations Officer. Or before it disappears, make sure you take a selfie at the popup mural on Jamaica Street. Buy a limited edition BBB60 mug from The Peoples Republic of Stokes Croft. And keep an eye out for the BBB60 bus. We hope you like it. Remember to take a selfie and share it with #RaceForPower and @Curiosity_UnLtd. 7
LOCAL NEWS
Save the Dentist!
written by Barbara Cook
DID YOU KNOW our local dentist at the top of Ashley Rd closed at the end of June?? DID YOU KNOW there are now NO dentists in Bristol taking on New NHS patients?? DO YOU THINK THAT IS ACCEPTABLE?? We DON'T! And that is why a group of us started campaigning to save our local dentists. St Paul's Dentists was threatened with closure at the end of June. Our group started campaigning to save it back in April. We held protests outside the dentists and started a petition. We're local people who have relied on this dentist- we've pulled together and achieved a lot in a short space of time At the protests we found most of the public didn't know the dentist was closing! We are still meeting people who didn't know!
There had been no official consultation with the public so we requested a meeting with the people responsible for delivering dental care - The Integrated Care Board and BUPA ,and the Housing Association, Sovereign who own the building. That meeting was very successful! Sovereign Housing Association gave full support and are saving us the building for one year! Then BUPA offered to also save us the dental equipment for one year! Now there are negotiations happening for new dentists that are interested in moving in in the future . This is incredible news! BUPA has closed 85 dentists this year - ours is the only one we know of that is being saved and that is thanks to the campaign! We've been very lucky to have had help learning how to attend meetings and be heard with support from a wide range of people These include our local councillor Amirah Cole, the Bristol branch of Protect Our NHS, invaluable knowledge from Dr Kahlil Betz Hienemann a lecturer in Global Health, Tara Miran from the Green Melon who is now a Civic Engagement associate at the
8
LOCAL NEWS University, Belinda French and Barbara Cook who have both done community work in the area for many years.
week or please come and join our protests. Its a great local group, vibrant and fun!
Now we are busy planning a fun community day event in October half term. St Paul's has had a difficult time this year, we'll be coming together with local playworkers, musicians and local projects to put on an event outside St Paul's Learning Centre on October 28th. Anyone who wants to dress up for Halloween is invited to and can add some scary facepaint. The event is for all ages so please come along and support us!
Protests are now the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month 3.30 - 4.45pm
You can find out more about our campaign or message us through SaveStPaulsDentists.org or at our Facebook page Save St Pauls Dentist. We really need more support so it's not too much for any one person, so please contact us if you could spare an hour a
BLACK HISTORY: REVISITED Our short courses will develop your confidence, critical thinking and communication skills, and create new opportunities for personal and professional development.
Applications are now open for our Black History: Revisited short course. This course will equip you with the tools to understand contemporary debates surrounding Black History, the transatlantic trade of enslaved Africans and the sociology of race. Led by Dr Edson Burton, starting January 2024 at St. Paul's Learning Centre. School of Humanities Tel +44 (0)117 928 8924 Email English-Lifelong@bristol.ac.uk
bristol.ac.uk/history/study/part-time/
9
LOCAL NEWS
St Pauls: There is so much positive action happening communally in St Paul’s. From the establishment of The St Paul’s community forum to the great Bridging Histories initiative, and the great work that is happening at the Black South West Network. St Paul’s is bursting at the seams with amazing community work, positively impacting St Paul’s community members and people of colour within the city. The Black South West Network (BSWN) which is located at The Coach House, is a racial justice organisation that has served to support people of colour and Black peoples helping support their business endeavours, offering support to ideas, maintain and preserve Black heritage in Bristol.
As well as getting involved in a plethora of initiatives such as the UnMuseum Cultural Heritage Programme. Work which positively impacts the St Paul’s community and southwest region, as they act as a pillar of support and empowerment to people who face barriers in accessing information and so forth. BSWN also have an incubator hub which is there to support communities and facilitate community. Bridging Histories looks to empower communities, young children, St Paul’s community members and Bristolians with history, cultural education, heritage, 10
A community of positive action personal history and change-making. They also support community initiatives such as facilitating Weekly Conversations at Glen’s Kitchen every Thursday 12.30pm-2pm, and are a part of many community projects, such as support the launch of the St Paul’s community forum. A forum which positively supports the community’s voice, placing their voices, rightfully, in the centre where this belongs, tackling issues such as gentrification collectively.
An important founding member of Bridging Histories has greatly contributed to their positive work implementing activities that children in schools can do to learn about their personal histories, to food history as well as how they can become positive changemakers.
Jikoni East Africa, a delicious East African restaurant within The Coach House have been involved in creating a food-hub, which distributes food to the local
LOCAL NEWS community, particularly to vulnerable groups in the St Paul’s community such as elders and community efforts. Glen’s Kitchen, for over 40 years has been a vital community hub for the St Paul’s community, for a delicious meal and a great chat with local community members.
by discussing why it’s so important to comprehensively talk about positive action in St Paul’s.
Glen’s Kitchen, the delicious restaurant owned by Glen Brooks.
Glen Brooks owner of Glen’s Kitchen Glen's Kitchen is a space where lots of community work and positive action takes place within the restaurant and café, a space where community members can have conversations on that reflect the community’s interests at heart. The Rastafari Culture Centre For over 30 years, Ras Bandele and the RCC has been a positive space for the St Paul’s community, where they can come and discuss community affairs as well as spiritually connect. With all these spaces and initiatives discussed, it’s important to end this article,
Knowing and reflecting what St Paul’s has positively done and continues to do, allows us all to be positively inspired by this rich history, positively impacting our communities. It also provides recognition to the community members that have done so many incredible things we have to honour their sacrifices and highlight their positive work they have done! 11
COMMUNITY NEWS
St Pauls Learning Centre We had a fairly quiet summer here in St Pauls Learning Centre, but are once again a hive of activity, enjoying the buzz of people as the academic year starts again. Whether it’s for skills, wellbeing or socialising, most of what is on offer is either free or subsidised and there are many opportunities free specifically if you live in the BS2 area. Whether it’s for skills, wellbeing or socialising COMMUNITY GARDEN Thursdays 9.45 to 12.30
SESSIONS
-
Sasha, our wonderful garden coordinator has lots of experience getting hands dirty and creating a paradise of fruit, vegetables and flowers. She is always on the lookout for volunteers and those that would like to come and learn the crafts of gardening for wellbeing and share the fruits (and veg) of the labour here in the Learning Centre Community Garden. If you'd like join in, either turn up, or contact Reception for more details.
written by Gem Burgoyne
This is a very relaxed session, no need to enrol, just drop -in when you can. • Home Language Conversation Cafe - Sundays - Monthly. A project to welcome and connect immigrants from the same language and cultural background to share the experiences of living abroad. In a friendly environment, people can discuss challenges involved in the most different stages of adaptation in the UK. • Sudanese Arabic course. Sundays 3 to 4pm.Starting October 1st, Refulingua will be running a 10 week Sudanese Arabic language course based around sharing food. BOOK EVENTS Independent bookshop Max Minerva's are also back with more evening events in the cafe, offering 20 tickets free to local residents. Past events have included Caleb Azumah Nelson, Moses Mackenzie and Jaqueline Crooks. Upcoming events look just as exciting! • 6th November - Paterson Joseph 'The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho' Half term activity Alert! Talking of Books The Story Telling festival will be holding a design a book cover workshop for 6 to 12yr olds on Monday 23rd October
LANGUAGES, FUNCTIONAL SKILLS & TUITION The term is already in full swing with many of our regular ESOL and Functional skills courses, QAALIB out of school Tuition classes and the very popular Conversation Clubs. • ESOL Conversation club - every Wednesday 10 to 11am.
12
CREATIVITY FOR WELLBEING As well as the long running regular workshops in Pottery, Printmaking, Woodwork, Fabric Weaving, Stained Glass Club, Photography and Community Darkroom offerings, we have some great additional offerings. •Cake and Create: Tuesdays 10.30am-12.30pm. •New activity each week in a relaxed environment - with cake! £3 or 'pay what you can' for BS2 residents. •Acting Workshops for 18-25yr olds Mondays 7pm to 8.30pm, •Hosted by Lightbox Theatre. £6' / 'pay what you can' or Free to BS2 residents.
COMMUNITY NEWS • Wellbeing Art Sessions with CreativeShift - Wednesdays 3.30pm to 5.30pm. • Part of the Art on Referral Program, this relaxed and friendly group is for people who are socially isolated, anxious, stressed or suffering from chronic illness. • Creativity For Wellbeing Wednesdays 10am to 12pm • An opportunity to explore painting and drawing activities in a friendly relaxed atmosphere. FREE
And don't forget about our Community Dropin table in the cafe where you will often find various projects and organisations there to offer information, support and resources while you grab some delicious food from Glen's Kitchen. For information on all the courses, workshops and sessions we have here at St Pauls Learning Centre, or to enquire about our hireable space, pop by Reception or give us a bell on 0117 9145470, or visit our website https:// www.stpaulslc.co.uk/courses-and-classes We all look forwards to seeing you soon, Gem and the Team
We also continue to host the monthly CAAFI Community Health Clinic as well as so many other activities including a selection of events celebrating Black History Month!
GET INVOLVED! Vocalise is always looking for members of the community to get involved with the magazine. We are always on the look out for: Writers/Poets Front cover submissions Artists are also welcome! Editors And don't forget to send in Distributors your local photos! Advertisers Photographers Fundraisers Get in touch... info@vocalisemagazine.org
Winter issue deadli ne 10th o Decem f ber!
13
LOCAL HERO
Mohamed Errebbaa Introduction I have come to know Mohamed over the last few years through his wife Chloe who also, is a talented musician and healer. {more about her in the next issue} I know for sure when I approach a stage at a festival and I see those guys already there settling themselves in with their family, that I am in the right place and am sure of a good show. I have experienced Mohamed's performances in the safe space that is offered by St Werburghs Community Centre where I brought my roll mat and blanket laid down and absorbed his music. A master of the transcendental. His soundwaves slow and ethereal, washing over us, creating peace. To see him on stage also is obviously a treat. Being a working musician, he has bounced between many festivals and gigs over these last few years. I caught him at WOMAD 2023 on their amazing "Taste the World" stage. Where international artists are invited to share with the audience stories of their musical path and a favorite dish from home. A really special intimate way to get to know the artists that preform at this inspiring festival, through conversation and food. Baba ghanoush was Mohamad's offering from Morocco, which he shared with his enthralled audience. Mohamed explained his journey musically, having been taught by many masters over the years, having now become a master in his own right, and the makings of his traditional instrument.
14
written by Bob Lawson
and Mohamed Errebbaa
The GNAWA guitar made from a carved piece of wood, camel neck skin and the strings from goats' intestines. About Mohamed Errebbaa When I caught him again at Shambala festival {a Bristol inspired festival up North}. Performing with Justin Adams. A prolific collaborator with North African musicians. Spellbinding is the word I would use to describe the whole experiance. Evoking so much joy....Mohamed has a smile on him that radiates glee. Get yourselves in his glow and do yourselves a favor and check him out... Next gigs in Bristol: The Canteen 3rd Nov Social Media @ mohamederrebbaa Youtube & Spotify Mohamed Errebbaa
LOCAL NEWS
Frome Getaway
Have Your Say on the future of St Jude’s
Since 2022, Bristol City Council has been working with the local community to produce a regeneration framework to guide the long-term transformation of the land either side of the River Frome in St Jude’s, known as Frome Gateway (see map below). A regeneration framework is a document that defines a long-term vision and local priorities and aspirations for change. It helps to ensure that new development is grounded in the needs of the community and new homes are complemented by updated and improved infrastructure and places to work.
The vision for Frome Gateway is for a new neighbourhood that brings together a greater mix of uses which better meet the needs of the local community and the city. Celebrating and strengthening community, improving quality of life, re-connecting to the natural environment and safeguarding against the impacts of climate change are a core part of this plan. The framework sets out a vision for about 1,000 new homes and new workspaces, as well as opening and restoring the River Frome as a thriving wildlife area, a new network of pocket parks and safer streets for walking and cycling.
Frome Gateway River credit Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
Working with the local community, the council has prepared a draft of the Frome Gateway Regeneration Framework and is preparing to hold a formal public consultation over autumn 2023 to inform final changes before taking it to Cabinet in early 2024 for approval. The framework will then be used to guide planning applications and investment in the area over the next 15 years. Formal public consultation is the last and formal opportunity to give feedback on the draft framework before it is finalised. To find out more, visit the Frome Gateway project website at www.FromeGateway. co.uk. You can also sign up to the mailing list to receive the latest news.
Vocalise Team wants to say
Thank you To Team Love and Plaster Communications for an amazing time we had at
15
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Bristol Steppin Sistas Founded in Bristol in 2021 by Sophia Brown, Bristol Steppin Sistas is a grassroot walking group which reaches out to local Black women and women of colour. It has inspired a generation of outdoor enthusiasts interested in walking and nature.
Radio, spreading the message that women of colour and Black women can go on treks with nature beyond familiar walking spaces. This has effectively broken various barriers in the process, given the fact that many women of colour and Black women didn’t go on unfamiliar walks due to feeling exposed, judged and commented on. Bristol Steppin Sistas has given many women of colour and Black women support to walk in these spaces, with the safety of other women who also share similar experiences of discrimination and prejudice. The walking group is such an empowering organisation, please do come along and join the Bristol Steppin Sistas, they are amazing!
Bristol Steppin Sistas' mission was simple, to enable and reach out to local Black women and women of colour, encouraging them to take up walking in open and rural spaces. Since its start, Bristol Steppin Sistas has completely exploded with more and more Black women and women of colour becoming walking enthusiasts. Currently there are over 749 members at Bristol Steppin Sistas Facebook group page which is fantastic! There are walks for everyone, the walking group is inclusive and accommodating. Catering to various groups or people. As there are long treks as well as short. Bristol Steppin Sistas has collaborated with various organisations such as Bcfm 16
Sophie will also be doing more solo fundraising walks in the future for the Bristol Steppin Sistas and plans on collaborating with the mens hiking group for a weekend camp! Stay tuned and follow their social media page @BrisStepSista for more information!
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Thoughts from an Oldie Change is as good as a rest so I’m up for one. By the time you read this I will likely be 77 years old and might well be a new member of the St Werburghs community. I have come to terms with the ageing process, less strength, feeling the cold and not enjoying loud music, stuff like that, so am moving to a flat in Penfield Court, a charity sheltered housing scheme for the over 50’s, opposite the Miners Arms where I can keep my independence but will have people about. I am excited to be nearer good walks to get me fitter and new opportunities to consider. I was hoping to see the actual flat but the manageress was ill and unable to keep the appointment… I guess she didn’t have my number on her at home, so I waited around for ages, checked out the garden some more and found the on-site launderette. I met a few of the other tenants living there – quite a mixture I think and several dog owners. Perhaps I’ll be doing some dog walking….. I have been living on Ashley Road in my current flat for over 13 years, the longest I have lived anywhere in my life! I have enjoyed it, loved the garden, been conveniently near family to help out, but life moves on. Now I’m looking forward to a warmer flat, better light to work with being higher up a building and hopefully views or some sky, not cars to look at from my living room window. I’m thinking about getting the water colours out again. There will still be the odd school run as my oldest granddaughter has a Places for People flat in the Brooks Dye works
written by Hilary Finch
development and her oldest boy has just started at St Werburghs infant school round a couple of corners from my new home. The whole idea of moving has rather taken over my life! In a way a good thing as the world environmental and political news is awful and you might have had a rant from me about our lot – but not in Vocalise, please! My mind is shuffling furniture around rooms I know little about as I try to imagine how to fit stuff in. Can I separate my painting from the sewing station? Do I sleep in the room with the sewing and eat with the art stuff or the other way round? I am only likely to have a bedroom and living room plus the kitchen and bathroom of course; none of the rooms are as big as the living room I have now. It’s the designer in me, restless to get a result and get going with some changes. I might even manage to give up smoking. Change of place, change, to some degree, of habits and a useful time to try as I will be busy making my new home for maybe just long enough to get over those first most difficult days. But then again, I might not. I have done it twice before and lasted a couple of years. What I might find totally frustrating is the bad wifi signal there, but that could have its positive points too….
17
COMMUNITY NEWS
St. Werburghs Community Centre open access signposting, computer and digital inclusion services. Our new Centre Coordinator Alie explains what the Centre means to her:
Hire a room to support your community! St Werburghs Community Centre has been providing life-changing support services to Bristol residents for over 50 years and in order to run these projects we need to raise funds regularly. We are extremely grateful to our funders past and present for supporting our services. The funding and sponsorship we receive covers some of the costs of our vital services, however we need more funds to run these projects and cover our core costs including staff time, cleaning costs and building maintenance.
Community Centres like ours act as welcoming spaces for connection and engagement, and they have never been more essential. For some people St Werburghs Community Centre is a second home or refuge. This is what we are committed to growing and continuing in the future. We also want to provide great quality facilities to all of our Centre users, which is something we can only do with the continued support of our members, partners and neighbours.
The majority of our income at the Centre is raised through room hire and that supports our service provision. We are proud to be an inclusive space and our accessible rooms provide the perfect facilities for a wide range of activities and events. These include training, meetings, workshops, weekly classes for all ages and cultural groups. As we are open seven days a week we are able to offer space to numerous faith groups for gatherings and prayer including Friday Muslim prayers Saturday Sufi and Buddhist meditation and Sunday Christian Churches. Room hire revenue also enables us to build reserves, giving us more flexibility and enabling us to adapt. Every pound you spend with us supports the Community Centre and its vital services. This benefits the wider community through free annual events, food bank, stay & play, cooking, gardening, 18
Alie and Shane At St Werburghs City Centre
If you’re looking for a room and would like more info, visit our website https:// stwerburghs.org.uk/venue-hire or get in touch with our new Centre Coordinators Alie or Shane by emailing office@stwerburghs.org.uk.
BOOK REVIEW
The Little Red Chairs by Denise Smart
A
s the nights draw in Little Red chairs brings you hook, line and sinker to a world of magic, mystery, tragedy and evil taking the reader on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Edna O’Brien is an established writer of fiction, and this book reflects the maturity of her penmanship. With the lightest touch she is able to totally engage the her readers as we go to the highest of highs one moment before plummeting to the depths of despair and everywhere in between in the next. The book explores the relationship between a person, calling themselves a faith healer, who lands on the shores of a small Irish village and the village inhabitants, which results in a chain of events unfolding that no one could have predicted. It is rare that I get emotionally involved in a book, but I found myself feeling what each character was feeling whether it be excitement or anxiety. The dialogue of each character is totally absorbing, the book is not so much a page turner as something I had real difficulty putting down at all (resulting in a few late nights and red-eyed mornings for me). The Little Red Chairs is a perfect read to curl up with on a dark night and transporting you to another world you can get totally lost in.
Book review by: Shulah Palmer-Jones the library Supervisor for Junction 3 and St Pauls
If you like a happy, light read this is not the book for you but if you like to really get stuck into a book and go on a bit of a journey, you won’t be disappointed!
19
HOW TO MAKE
MILK BOTTLE BIRD FEEDER
1
Using the ruler and pen, mark out a flap on the front of the carton. Cut around the outline you’ve made with scissors, and fold back the door. This will make the access hole for birds to feed from!
2
Using scissors, poke a hole on the front and the back of the bottle, below the flap of the door, and push the pencil through so it makes a bridge across the inside. This makes a perch for birds to sit on while they eat.
3
To make this craft, you will need: milk bottle/carton pen ruler scissors pencil/chopstick string
ART
PLAY
Make a hole in the lid using the scissors, and post the looped end of the string through the hole. Tie a knot in the other end to secure it, and screw the lid on the bottle - a perfect hanging handle!
4
Now just fill the bottom of the feeder with seeds, hang up outside and wait to see what birds come and feed! Why not decorate the bottle too?
We had such a brilliant day for our Reuse Fair, thanks to all who joined us! From reuse ideas to sustainable crafting to loose parts play, so much fun was had by all! Visit us at Children’s Scrapstore for resources, events and much more - we’ll see you again next year for another celebration of reuse on:
REUSE SATURDAY 14TH 20
COMMUNITY REUSE FAIR
SEPTEMBER 2024
SCRAPSTORE HOUSE, 21 SEVIER ST, ST WERBURGHS, BRISTOL, BS2 9LB CHARITY NO 1008788 / TEL: 0117 9085644
ART
REUSE
PLAY
COMMUNITY REUSE FAIR
We had such a brilliant day at our Reuse Fair, thanks to all who joined us! From reuse ideas, to sustainable crafting, to loose parts play, so much fun was had by all. We had over 850 people attend! It’s so wonderful to engage with both the reuse community and the fabulous community of St Werburghs as a whole. Special thanks to all our volunteers, partners, and artists, who volunteered their time to help us run this event, and whose fabulous efforts help us keep this event as free as possible to the public. Visit us at Children’s Scrapstore for resources, events, and much more. Head to www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk for information on everything that we do and offer, as well reuse tips and signposting.
SCRAPSTORE HOUSE, 21 SEVIER ST, ST WERBURGHS, BRISTOL, BS2 9LB
CHARITY NO 1008788 TEL: 0117 9085644
21
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Ursa returns Ursa, the former Bearpit sculpture returns on Bristol Bears new away kit. A decade after its construction and four years following its removal, Ursa is making a reappearance as The Bristol Bears' rugby club reveal their new away kit for the upcoming season inspired by the iconic 'Ursa' sculpture. Created by local artist Jamie Gillman, the black and white Ursa sculpture looked over the Bearpit from 2013-2019 in central Bristol and became an unofficial
written by Bob Lawson
symbol of the city. Even now after her unpopular dismantling you can still see her reflected in street and smaller sculptures dotted around town. Now in partnership with Jamie, Ursa has been re-created as part of the Bristol Bears' new black and white strip to be worn by the club's men and women's teams on the road this season.
Photo from Bristol Sport magazine.
Looking for an exceptional local school?
Join us for our
Open Events See our website www.fairfield.excalibur.org.uk
22
LOCAL EVENTS
What’s on...
Running an event? Let us know and we'll help promote it!
Luxmuralis: Force of Nature at Bristol Cathedral
From 30 Oct to 4 Nov
A spectacular new light show is set to adorn the historic building in a stunning exploration of creation and the cultural significance of the four elements.
A Midsummer Night's SCREAM! at St Werburgh's City Farm
21 to 31 Oct
Expect live music, masks, and mayhem as our young lovers get lost in a haunted wood and Puck, master of mischief, pulls the strings.
Bristol Transatlantic Slavery Walk
22 Oct
The walk on the slave trade and its impact on Bristol will take in the historic harbour of Bristol including the Floating Harbour, the City Centre, Pero’s Bridge, Queen Square and King Street.
Kill The Cop Inside Your Head at The Trinity Centre
22 Oct
Spoken word and performance artist Subira Joy explores their experiences of being targeted by the police as a Black, queer and trans person in the UK.
Stokes Croft China Decorating Workshop
22 Oct
Spend a relaxing afternoon creating a uniquely decorated piece of fine bone china!
Sustainable Design Fair
28, 29 Oct, 11, 12 Nov & 2,3, 9 & 10 Dec
From stunning jewellery, unique ceramics, organic skincare and slow fashion clothing, this market is a treasure trove of creativity.
Bristol Christmas Market
3 Nov to 23 Dec
Bristol Shopping Quarter's streets will play host to wooden chalets offering a selection of gifts as well as festive food and drink.
Bristol Food Tour: Street Food Tour
4 Nov
Love a cheeky bit of street food or a delicious savoury snack? Bristol Food Tour will take you on a mouth-watering journey through one of the UK's best cities!
Afrika Eye Festival
14 to 22 Nov
Afrika Eye Film Festival, held annually in Bristol, is the South West’s biggest celebration of African cinema and culture.
Diverse Artist Network Social at Strange Brew
28 Nov
Diverse Artist Network invites you to their social event with guest speakers, music, performances and food.
Oh My God! It's The Church at Trinity Centre
2 Dec
OMG! It's the Church is this incredible ten piece band, which immerses their audience in a blasphemous "party to paradise"; Celebrating saints and sinners alike, and swaggering through their fever-inducing catalogue of rock, soul, R&B and gospel.
Jack and the Beanstalk
8 Dec
Fe Fi Fo FUN! A GIANT pantomime for everyone!Bowtie Productions present the fun filled family pantomime Jack And The Beanstalk this festive season.
Afriquoi at Trinity Centre
16 Dec
Afriquoi are an underground sensation, bringing an uplifting fusion of African music and live electronics..
Children's Christmas Carnival with Zeb Soanes at St George's Bristol
17 Dec
Alongside the classic Peter and the Wolf, join Gaspard the friendly fox and his furry chums in a warm-hearted adventure on the No.38 bus, past the sights, sounds and smells of the big city.
23
A MIND-BLOWING MULTI-SENSORY EXPERIENCE 30 ROOMS
BOOK NOW >> AN ADVENTURE FOR ALL AGES
Step through the portal into the world of Meridia and explore the art walk-through experience, with 30 unique rooms, plus during the October half term...
COLOURING & COLLAGE AT THE RE-CREATION STATION Kids activity will take place in The Guildhall Cafe. Included in ticket price.
WAKETHETIGER.COM 24
BOOK YOUR TICKETS & GET FREE COFFEE WITH EVERY CAKE! PRESENT THIS AD TO CLAIM*
*1 free coffee per cake purchased. Valid from 16th September – 29th October 2023. Must bring this page in to qualify. Photos of offer not valid. At Manager’s discretion.
SUDOKU
SUDOKU & Puzzles
Difficulty level: EASY
How many leaves can you spot in the magazine? Difficulty level: MEDIUM
Difficulty level: HARD
25
COMMUNITY NEWS
Your Councillors say... Policing matters are obviously high on everyone’s minds at the moment. We have organised a couple of meetings with the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner on the Halston Drive Estate. Tim and other councillors have also been advocating that the estate gets prioritised for Council camera upgrades that I am pleased to say has been agreed and should be seeing improvements there soon. Drug dealing is the main issue that residents have been raising with us. Led by Amirah and local residents we are still campaigning about the loss of our dentist. The local NHS are looking for someone to take it over but getting people to do NHS dentistry is a national problem but we must keep fighting for this vital local service Housing is another issue that contributes to our casework. We all know about the unaffordable rents and some landlords that take advantage. The council continues to try and address this and are considering how HMOS can be better controlled. They have a proposal for a property licensing scheme – a citywide additional licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO). This will place conditions on the landlord or agent to ensure that certain property standards are met, and that good management practice is delivered.
26
People can find out more and have their say by filling in a survey available online at www.ask.bristol. gov.uk/property-licensing-2023. Another housing outrage is housing that is not in use and as Councillors we continue, led by Jude, to work with officers on this and a good example is continued legal action and fines on the landlord of the ‘Kernow’ building on Mina Rd, a continued disgrace which I hope we will get a result on. Local buses are still a major issue, cutting people of St Paul’s off. But a glimmer of good news is the fact that Transpora has stepped in to provide the number 25 and the frequency has actually gone up since we last wrote to you. As I write this it is pouring down with rain and we continue to report drains. Tim has a small coup the other day when he worked with officers to identify a problem on the pavement on the M32 underpass. After some back and forth we confirmed it was a Wessex Water problem and hopefully it been fixed now. Tim was able to get some local action a few months back but if you have a drain outside it is worth giving it a sweep, I do on the one outside my house. Remember you can contact us at the following e mails: Cllr.tim.wye@bristol.gov.uk Cllr.Amirah.Cole@bristol.gov.uk Cllr.Jude.English@bristol.gov.uk
COMMUNITY NEWS
Police Update Dear Residents, Even if the good weather was harder to find this year, I hope you managed to have fun this summer and are now energised for the rest of the year. From our side, the Neighbourhood Policing Team have had a delightful summer meeting many of you in parks and events around the area. Building connections in the community is the most important part of our roles. Your engagement throughout the summer months has been vital in helping us tackle the rising number of antisocial incidents in the area.
Written by PCSO Karla Miranda
property and gave the best support to the people that were present. The property is now safe. This issue was resolved thanks to the reports that you, local residents, have made. Reporting issues that you have in your neighbourhood brings our attention to the area and allows to plan how to best solve antisocial behaviour. Your reports are important to us. There are different ways to contact us by calling 101 / 999 for emergency or on our website Avon and Somerset Police.
One example of a major incident reported to us was about a property in St Werburghs that was compromising the welfare of families and children. Reports stated that trespassers broke into the property that belonged to an elderly woman in order to squat and deal drugs. The local PCSOs conducted a house-to-house inquiry to offer reassurance to the residents and gather information. Beat manager PC Montague was then able to use evidence gathered in local enquiries to work with the council and trustees on a plan of action. It was decided that the property needed to be boarded up to decrease the antisocial behaviour happening day and night. The boarding up was conducted by the leadership of PC Montague who entered the 27
WASTE COLLECTION DAYS CHANGE OVER CHRISTMAS We will work three Saturdays to get collections back to normal as quickly as possible. Check when we will be coming to you on the calendar below.
Your usual collection day Mon 25 Dec Tue 26 Dec Wed 27 Dec Thur 28 Dec Fri 29 Dec Mon 1 Jan Tue 2 Jan Wed 3 Jan Thur 4 Jan Fri 5 Jan Mon 8 Jan Tue 9 Jan Wed 10 Jan Thur 11 Jan Fri 12 Jan
Revised collection day Wed 27 Dec Thur 28 Dec Fri 29 Dec
Put your tree out with your first wheelie bin collection from Monday 15 January. You can also take trees to your nearest Recycling Centre – book before visiting at recyclingcentrebooking.bristol.gov.uk
Sat 30 Dec Tue 2 Jan
2024 collection dates
Wed 3 Jan
Download your 2024 collection calendar from bristolwastecompany.co.uk/festive
Thur 4 Jan Fri 5 Jan Sat 6 Jan Mon 8 Jan Tue 9 Jan Wed 10 Jan Thur 11 Jan
Garden and bulky waste Don’t forget, garden and bulky waste services pause over the Christmas period. For top tips and festive hacks visit: bristolwastecompany.co.uk/festive
Fri 12 Jan Sat 13 Jan
Normal collections from Mon 15 Jan 28
Christmas trees
Scan me!