VOCALISE
Welcome!
Welcome to the autumn edition of Vocalise, the community magazine for St. Paul’s, St. Werburgh’s, St. Agnes and Montpelier.
The nights are drawing in, the dating apps are getting busier, and the big baggy jumpers are taking pride of place in the wardrobe once again. I don’t know about you readers, but I really love this time of year. Nice mooches in the city with an occasional hot chocolate or strolling through one of our many gorgeous parks admiring the changing colours of the trees, I really love it all! I also feel super happy to be back writing for Vocalise, and look out for my articles in future issues focussing on neurodiversity.
This issue is packed full of your favourites such as Thoughts from an Oldie (have a lovely and creative time in Cornwall and Norfolk Hilary!) a spotlight on a local artist, What’s on in St Pauls, St Werburghs, St Agnes and Montpelier, fun puzzles, Halloween at Wake The Tiger, Christmas at Better food and many more pages of community news for you to enjoy.
We also have an exciting opportunity to join the team at Vocalise as a marketing assistant with one-toone mentoring, so head to page 11 for all the information on the role and how to apply. Good luck!
Enjoy this lovely autumnal issue readers and I will see you in the new year.
Be good, be happy and be healthy!
info@vocalisemagazine.org vocalisemagazine.org
@vocaliseBristol
@vocaliseBristol
Published by:
Vocalise Bristol CIC
Backfields House
Upper York Street
Bristol
BS2 8QJ
Co-ordinated and designed by: Julia Widz
Thanks to all our volunteers and directors.
Vandna Mehta (Founder)
Judit Davis (Director)
Hilary Finch (Director)
//Kabbo Hue Qua (Director)
Ian Jones
Silvia Jiménez Cruz
Bob Lawson
Anna Ruggiero
Lucille Smith
Also special Thanks to all our contributors.
Front cover:
Jeff by HazardOne. More details on page 2.
Vectors and photos from:
Anna x
Vocalise Bristol CIC
Happy Diwali
Introducing...
Our autmn cover: HazardOne
Jeff Knight. Our man in Shining High Vis!
Written by Bob Lawson
To be found on his patch in Stokes Croft, where he sells the "Big Issue". He is a strong part of the community where he feels a sense of belonging, safety & acceptance. Where he was "muralised" by the prolific and talented Graffiti artist HazardOne. He defiantly brings a smile to lots of faces as he is always up for a hug, a fist bump, or a wave across the street.
Our Autumn Cover: Mike22
Mike22, who used to go under the moniker 3DOM22, has been painting around Bristol for about 22 years. His style has developed into something he would describe as something for kids to enjoy, but for adults to dissect’. He lived in St Werburghs for numerous years and always loved the local people’s acceptance of the art form. He currently tattoos as he has for the last 11 years, but still finds time to watch paint dry. If you’d like to follow his artwork it can be found on instagram @mike22inks or his email is mike22inks@gmail.com’
Our Spring cover: FEEK
Just a quick update on the story we ran on the prolific artist FEEK. The Iconic Camel and its many incarnations. As if by magic just days after getting the interview with him, having spoken about the camel being spotted walking along the beach, which was the inspiration behind the original camel stencil on Albert Park, a picture popped up on FEEK's phone out of nowhere of that there Camel!
[Thanks to whoever it was that took that great photo of the Camel. Found amongst many a great image to be discovered also in an online photographic tribute to various free parties around Bristol, If you are out there please do get in touch with us if you like as we would love to hear about your adventures that day, and give you credit.]
It was first thought to be on Clevedon Beach but I am now made aware that it was indeed Stewart Beach, Clevedon. An after party from a party at "Love Mountain" in the forested hills above.This was confirmed to me as in the great Bob/Bristol chain of events sort of way. Chatting over Sunday Lunch a week or so after going to print. Discovered my mate's mate, another Bristol legend confirmed with a grin she was also at that party!
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St. Paul's Carnival
This month, Carnival reflects on the theme of "Reclaiming Narratives." This year’s Black History Month deeply resonates with the Carnival team; after all, what is Carnival if not the very manifestation of a people reclaiming their narrative?
What makes Carnival so special and sets it apart from the many wonderful festivals and events in our city, is its focus on reclaiming our stories, in our own voices. It is art, culture, and heritage with deep purpose, telling stories of resistance, rebellion, and survival across generations.
We celebrate the legacy of our Windrush parents and grandparents who brought these stories with them to the UK, ensuring future generations remain connected to them. Carnival gives us ownership of our narratives, no matter how challenging or contentious they may be at times. While the arrival of the Windrush generation is a joyous occasion for us, it also reminds us of the painful legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and the trauma our communities continue to endure. These stories are not solely African Caribbean history; they represent a shared history within the context of the UK. Though many remain ignorant or attempt to distort these narratives, it is crucial that we protect them.
That said, while Carnival is a city-wide
Written by LaToyah McAllister-Jones
Update - October 2024
event, its cultural heritage belongs to African Caribbean people. If we are not invested in preserving this heritage, our children and grandchildren stand to lose the most. We are the largest stakeholders in this, and if we don't value our cultural legacy, we cannot expect anyone else to.
Carnival’s current campaign, It Takes a City, is a citywide initiative that speaks to citizens, communities, businesses, and corporations alike. The campaign aims to engage the whole city in a discussion about the event’s sustainability and legacy for generations to come. Everyone loves Carnival and if every one of the 120,000 people who came last year donated £2, it would go a long way in supporting this iconic event to thrive. Everyone benefits from Carnival, with an estimated £9.2 million generated over the weekend—half of which is spent in the footprint of St Pauls: the gardens, local businesses, and food stalls. The other half spreads across the city, benefiting pubs, clubs, hotels, and restaurants. In this sense, everyone is a stakeholder in St Pauls Carnival.
If you want to learn more about our work or get involved with the It Takes a City campaign, join us at our 1st Annual Carnival Connect community meeting on 29th October at Trinity Centre. Visit stpaulscarnival.net for more information, or search ‘connect with carnival’ on eventbrite to book your place.
Legends of Windrush: Human Library event, photographed by Keyane Allman
6 Myths about St Pauls Carnival
1. “The Carnival Team is only needed to deliver an event. Why is there a yearround team?”
Planning for Carnival, held in July, starts as early as October. Internal discussions with community partners help design fundraising strategies, and contractors are consulted to build a realistic understanding of costs. Additionally, St Pauls Carnival is not just an event organisation but an arts and heritage organisation. It delivers year-round programs, such as school initiatives, the St Pauls dance troupe, community mas camps, and work with Elders—all of which contribute to Carnival Day.
Our partners and sponsors want to engage with us beyond Carnival Day, adding value and encouraging them to continue their support. A yearround team is essential to manage relationships with schools, community groups, and funders, as well as deliver the organisation’s programs.
2. “Carnival is fully funded by the Arts Council and Bristol City Council.”
St Pauls Carnival is a National Portfolio Organization funded by the Arts Council, receiving approximately £657,000 over three years, from 2023-2025. However, with Carnival costing over £520,000 annually, we must raise additional funds to cover half of this expense. As a small community organisation, this is a significant challenge. We also receive a £57,000 grant from Bristol City Council over four years and in-kind support, such as office time and event management assistance.
3. “The Carnival Committee is paid.”
There is no "Carnival Committee." St Pauls Carnival is a Community Interest Company with a voluntary Board of Directors. None of the board members are paid.
4. “We can organise Carnival ourselves without a formal organisation.”
While the community can certainly celebrate Carnival independently, there are important considerations. Without a formal organisation, there is no agreed standard for health and safety, including food hygiene and electrical testing. The organisation ensures the involvement of Elders, delivers education programs, and secures funding that individuals cannot. It also manages the risks of hosting such a large-scale event, enabling Bristol City Council to approve the necessary licences.
5. “It doesn’t feel the same as it did back in the day.”
Times have changed, and regulations around events have increased significantly over the past decades. New restrictions concerning alcohol, crowd safety, and terrorism add expense and certain limitations. Though Carnival remains a free community event, it has grown far beyond its village fete origins to attract 120,000 people. The health and safety of our communities and visitors is a priority, as it is with any large event.
6. “We don’t see ourselves reflected in Carnival’s audience.”
As an organisation, we focus on ensuring that the talent and performances are predominantly homegrown and African Caribbean. We also prioritise working with local contractors under our "Bristol First" policy. While we can control who we work with, we do not control who attends. Carnival’s uniqueness lies in being a free event that welcomes everyone. Its origins were rooted in both African Caribbean celebration and social cohesion. If we want greater representation, we need to show up.
New Eco-Housing Community
Much needed Eco-Housing Community planned in Lawrence Hill, Bristol Nettle Housing Co-op, has secured land to build homes on and they want you to join them!
On October 26th Nettle Housing Co-op will be hosting a consultation event to find out what local people would like to see in this co-housing scheme. So, if you have anything to say about their proposed designs, the need for new community venue or if you are looking for a home for you and your family, Nettle will be ready to warmly welcome you, with cream tea to boot!
Public Consultation and Recruitment Event: October 26th: 2.30-4pm. St Marks Baptist Church, St Marks Road Bristol
Nettle's plan is to develop innovative, affordable housing focused on community and sustainability at the site of an old scout hut on Woodborough Street, Lawrence Hill. For Nettle Director Jenny Bull, this new housing project is important to both her and her son.
"I dream of living in a well-designed home, that is more secure than simply renting in the private sector. I can’t afford to buy in the area and have never owned my own home. My family have lived here for generations and my son’s father lives close, so it's really important to me that we live locally and can create our stable home.”
Nettle are more than aware that they are not the only ones in housing need and that is why they are seeking new members who will have the op-
Written by Caroline Pringle
portunity to contribute to the design in its next phase and eventually live in one of the homes.
The new development, Woodborough Street Co-Housing Project, will include 6 homes, intended primarily for local families. Currently, residents-to-be are single mums, but they are open to widening their membership for the right people! The scheme
is being designed by Barefoot Architects, who specialise in innovative, community-led housing projects so are a perfect fit for Nettle. Alice Guthrie, Nettle co-founder; says:
“We are really excited to bring this co-housing project to life. It will be like a micro village, with a community garden and a community room which will also be open to the public. It’s about being really good neighbours to each other, rather than eating every meal together: sharing what you want
to share, as well as having all the privacy you need. My aspiration for the project is that people feel part of a dynamic, respectful community, with their own space within that,"
The homes will be more affordable than the local average, because Bristol City Council is gifting the land, and because the Co-op will retain ownership of a percentage of the homes, reducing the amount of mortgage residents will have to borrow.
This shared ownership model is increasingly being used to create housing that people in housing need are more likely to be able to afford.
Social housing is in extremely high demand in Bristol, with 20,000 plus households on the social housing waiting list which is twice the national average (per local household) and on a par with London.
According to the document: Background Information on the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2024-29. Bristol City Council, August 2024
The number of people in temporary accommodation has increased by 87% since 2020. Despite this the Council only plans to create 1.7k new council homes in the next 5 years.
“The average Bristol resident now needs almost 10 times their annual salary to buy a house. It’s an impossible situation and something dramatic has to change nationally. That’s why Ecomotive, a co-op championing Community Led Housing, have been supporting Nettle from the beginning. We now have the opportunity to do something that we hope will inspire other people who would like to create their own housing solutions.” Caroline Pringle, Ecomotive, Woodborough Street Project Manager.
Acknowledging the need for more community led, affordable housing, the Charities Aid Foundation have awarded funding to support the development of the project. They aim to submit their planning application in spring next year. If planning is granted and the necessary construction finance is found, Nettle hopes that construction will start in 2026.
For more information about the Woodborough Street Co-Housing Project, please visit Ecomotive’s Website, www. ecomotive.org, Nettle’s Facebook page ‘Nettle Co-Operative’, and/or contact Caroline Pringle at caroline@ ecomotive.org
Decolonial Open University
Welcome to the Decolonial Open Communiversity and Unite with the Global Majority
Have you heard of the Decolonial Open Communiversity (D.O.C)? It is a national and global movement encouraging cultural cohesion amongst people from different cultural, class, and geographic environments. We intend to find solutions to the cultural, economic, environmental and political challenges faced locally and internationally; by utilising our rich collective cultural archives to forge a new, humane path ahead.
The Decolonial Open Communiversity is happening across England from 28th October to 19th November 2024. It will be a space for all peoples to share our diverse cultures, wisdom(s), and skills to unify our paths to repair humanity and Mother Earth.
It's simple: People around the world are faced with escalating imperialist violence and communities everywhere must take back the definition of education to empower ourselves for our collective liberation. It is about learning collectively through transforming the world.
By //Kabbo Hue Qua
The D.O.C delegation consists of: Indigenous and urban peoples and collectives from communities desiring liberty, equality, peace and justice. This includes the Peruvian Indigenous, peasant and rural women's union; the FENMUCARINAP, as well as people working towards decolonisation across Afrika and Europe.
Various activities will be available including talks, workshops, educational activities, music, cultural and historical tours, and food and cultural co-creation sessions. Especially necessary at this poignant war-torn time in the world.
The delegation will make its way to Bristol on the 9th and 10th of November, with a public event scheduled at the Kuumba Centre on the 9th with the title: Unite With The Global Majority.
The 9th of November coincides with what would have been Bristolian journalist and historian Basil Davidson’s 110th birthday, a person who dedicated the majority of his life to popularise Afrikan history from a decolonial perspective, and who reported from the frontlines of liberation
struggles across the continent. This day is also marked as the International Day Against Fascism and given the far-right violence we saw on the streets during the summer it's more important than ever that we learn together with communities around the world and unite as a Global Majority.
We are inviting people from Bristol to share their experiences of taking action in solidarity with peoples across the world and commemorate elders and ancestors related to this city, such as Basil Davidson, who showed us examples of what Humanity is capable of achieving when working together across borders.
We will also be welcoming people from across the Southwest of England to join us on the day, including the youthled group Stroud in Internationalist Solidarity Together for Earth Repair (SISTER) who are organising across generations and linking the small town of Stroud to movements globally. We are organising for these local experiences and knowledges’ to be shared through workshops, food and music as a contribution to the Glocal (linking the local to the global) building of the Decolonial Open Communiversity. We will also hear from the visiting delegation how we can participate in shared and globally coordinated processes to continue our shared learning and defend self-empowerment
and self-determination efforts by Global South communities around the world.
These engagements are communitydriven under the direction of the broader educational process known as the Planet Repairs Action Learning Educational Revolution (PRALER), whose objective is to strengthen the position of our communities and our struggles and then to build from this an interconnected commons of knowledge.
In practice, this means rebuilding Internationalist institutions, networks, and relationships that allow our movements to build global power together and fight together (https:// www.praler.net/). It is part of our collective desire, commitment, and intention to create, nurture and support
integrated, multicultural, multi-faith grassroots initiatives guided by globally informed and educated perspectives, strategies and socioeconomic solutions. For more details go to or scan QR code: https://www.praler.net/what-we-do
One Love!
Thoughts from an Oldie
I have lived in St Werburgh’s now for nearly a year and am feeling much more part of the community here at Penfield Court but maintaining my idependence is important to me.. We had quite a successful art exhibition here in July that included table top and clothes sales, tea and cakes and where I sold some paintings much to my delight!
Efforts are being made to set up a Community Association here with the intention of opening our Common Room to more local activities. With this in mind we are offering free tables at our Festive Fayre here on December 1st from midday til 5pm selling punch, tea and cakes, arts and crafts and other table and clothes sales. If this is something you might like to be part of get in touch with me by email hilarypfinch@ yahoo.co.uk or julieabrooks@blueyonder.co.uk.
written by Hilary Finch
I still feel a disconnect from the garden living as I do facing Mina Road, not the garden and two floors up. I can’t see all the foxes that visit. There were apparently six playing around with and chewing the garden hose! No longer do I pop out for a cuppa, but I am doing some gardening, not as much as I used to, but then it’s very different here with gardeners coming in to cut the grass and several of us planting and caring for the flower beds.
I am now spending too much time playing word games on my phone rather than being creative! It’s too easy to just sit in my splendid Stressless chair with it’s table and mess about watching telly playing some game. I haven’t even been out walking as much as I intended when I first moved here with the Farm, Boiling Wells and all the other places to walk so available. I am still repairing and altering clothes, but for how much longer I’m not sure as old age is affecting my eyes, plus a very unsatisfactory
cataract operation has blurred my vision considerably making it difficult to even read what I’m writing now.
I’m off on a couple of short trips to Cornwall and Norfolk and hoping to be much more positive and creative on my return… time will tell, but I have ideas.
Volunteer With Vocalise!
Are you looking to get some experience in social media? Would you like to get involved in a local magazine?
We are looking for a volunteer to run our social media and a newsletter connecting local organisations with our community members. No experience needed, you will be mentored by a communications and engagement officer from St Werbughs Community centre, Silvia. The role will only need your two hours a week, with a desk space in the community centres, ideally on Mondays. You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a magazine, attend community events and learn the ins and outs of online marketing! Get in touch to info@vocalisemagazine.org with a couple of sentences about yourself and why you want to get inovled.
Calling Local Artists
Are you a socially engaged artist who's passionate about our beautiful city? As the University of Bristol's new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus begins to take shape, ‘Wild Spaces’ is a rare chance to work with the local community on an 18-month commission, alongside the construction of the new campus.
Closing date: 28 October 2024.
For more information, please visit bristol.ac.uk/public-art-wild-spaces or scan the QR code.
Vocalise
Introducing: Jay
Hello There!
I’m Jay, a Bristol-based artist. I think of myself as a versatile creator, dabbling in different art forms like illustration, graphic design, printing, painting, tattooing and sculpture. As a non-English native, illustration is a great way to express myself without words. I like to craft poetic scenes- I read lots of books and poetry- but with a cartoonish twist. Cartoons aren’t just for kids, they also work for adults if you know how to read them. Children enjoy my work because it’s colourful and funny, but parents see things in a different way, so there’s something for everyone!
Faces
I draw lots of faces. I was always moving about in France when I was young, then I came to the UK, so I find faces really comforting- in a new place I still know all the people I’ve drawn! But also I give everything faces- flowers, the sun, the moon- I like to imagine they all have a face and a personality, and that, like in Toy Story, they all live crazy lives when we’re asleep.
English Breakfast
When I first came to the UK, my English was so bad! People would say to me “Bonjour! Croissant! Baguette!” Imag-
As told to Ian Jones
ine I saw you and said “Hey, Baked Beans! Hey, Sausage!” So I decided to make a joke of it. We have no baked beans in France, no marmite, no crumpets, but I’ve worked in lots of cafes, so I appropriated that from a French perspective, put faces on everything and came up with my English Breakfast stickers!
Becoming an Artist
I was quite different from my friends at school, so drawing helped me pass the time and find my own community. At art school in Lyon we were obliged to fill a sketchbook every week, and I was the only one who enjoyed it! So my tip for new artists is get a sketchbook and take it everywhere. Just draw what you see. Then, when you’re really good, you can mix different elements and add new things that aren’t really there.
At art school they’d say “OK, draw this in a realistic way.” But that can be so
boring! Sometimes I want to draw how I feel about something rather than how it looks. Jean-Michel Basquiat is a big influence- he could express himself in a really free way.
Plans and Projects
I love to try new things. Sometimes I get a bit jealous of other people, but then I think I can do anything I want if I really work at it. I explore, I learn, I try, but I do it in my own style.
A few years back, I wrote a poetry book, everything in English. I used to be really shy about chatting and meeting new people, so I wrote all the letters I’d never sent to people I knew in France, love letters in a poetic way, and added lots of photos I’d taken around Bristol. It helped me through the loneliness of lockdown and kept me sane!
More recently, I created an enormous paper cow, using split pins, for an exhibition at Centrespace and I’ve also been working on some dye cut coffee labels for Radical Roasters in Easton.
Thanks To
Alice and friends from 138 who are one big family to me; Murilo for putting my art on his cafe walls; Carillion Print,
my place of work. And Bristol. I like it here. I like the pub, I like the people. You’re free to be who you want here. In France, it’s hard to be weird. If you’re an artist you have to be famous, or rich or whatever. But here it’s more “You do you, babes!” You are who you are and it’s fine.
Find out more on instagram: jujube_tat Portrait of Jay by @albaroofaroo
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
Artists
Editors
Distributors
Advertisers
Photographers
Fundraisers Get in touch... info@vocalisemagazine.org Winter issue deadline 16th of December!
Front cover submissions are also welcome! And don't forget to send in your local photos!
St. Werburghs Community Centre
Christmas Market 2024
Join us at our Christmas Market and browse a good variety of stalls and vendors; we give priority to local traders and those who reflect our diverse and talented communities. Come and browse, find something special to give this festive season.
Coffee Club will run the café with delicious food and drink. We welcome ideas for children activities or appropriate entertainment; please, contact us prior to the event so we can arrange a dedicated space for them.
Coffee Club have landed in St Werburghs
We are very pleased to welcome our new café tenants Coffee Club on Monday 30th September. Lucy and her team have been running Coffee Club in the city centre, by Banksy’s The Girl with Pearl Earring, and Paintworks, so they bring a wealth of experience, along with delicious speciality coffee and local bakes. The Coffee Club are also working on bringing new late evening events to the centre, so keep your eyes peeled and follow them on Instagram @coffeeclubstwerburghs.
Business Hub for Women - Free Training
St Werburghs Community Centre is collaborating with BrisBes (Bristol Business & Enterprise Support run by YTKO), to provide a local hub for women in business. We are currently offering free workshops aimed at sole traders, small businesses or anyone considering starting a business. All workshops are taking place at St Werburghs Community Centre, Horley Rd, St Werburghs, BS2 9TJ.
• Basic Finance – Thursday 3rd October 2024, 2.30pm – 4.30pm
• Marketing – Thursday 31st October 2024, 10.30am – 12.30pm
• Practical Operations – Tuesday 19th November 2024, 10.30am – 12.30pm If you would like to sign up to any of these free workshops, please email silvia@stwerburghs.org.uk or call 0117 955 1351. We strongly encourage the participation from people who identify as LGBTQ+. The St Werburghs Business Hub for Women is funded through the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).
Festive Friends – Christmas Party
We are taking bookings for our ever popular Festive Friends Christmas Party. Festive friends is a fantastic opportunity for local older residents to enjoy an afternoon of Christmas cheer, gifts, entertainment and lovely food – with all the trimmings!
Festive Friends is taking place on Friday 13th December 2024, 12pm – 2.30pm. If you know someone who might like to be a guest, or you would like to volunteer, email us on office@stwerburghs.org.uk.
Making Theatre with Young Performers
Bookings are open to our popular holiday drama clubs – Autumn Edition. Led by Bristol Academy of Drama’s experienced Drama Facilitators, the children will build their new theatrical world using costumes and props. They will not only perform in the play but, throughout the creative process, learn to share ideas and work with others to bring the story to life.
This year our October Half-Term Club offer: Creating Theatre with Little Performers -Solomon Crocodile (For ages 4-6 years)
Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th October 2024 9.00 am to 12.30 pm (with performance at 12.00 on final day)
Revolting Rhymes – A play in 3 Days Workshop (For ages 7-11 years)
Wednesday 30th October to Friday 1st November 2024, 9.30 am to 3.30 pm (performance at 3.30 pm on last day)
Due to limited spaces available, we recommended that parents/guardians book early to avoid disappointment. Group and sibling discount available, simply email us at events@stwerburghs.org.uk for discount codes and booking information. To book visit: https://www.tickettailor.com/ events/stwerburghscommunityassociation
Knit & Natter at our Community Table
Did you know that we have a Community Table that you can book for a community meeting or activity?
The Community Table can host up to seven people and is free for people to book. This guarantees the group a place to seat even if the coffee shop is busy. Although we encourage everyone to eat and drink the delicious menu at our Coffee Club, there is no need to purchase anything to use the table.
Our Knit and Natter group meets every Monday from 11am to 12.30pm at the Community Table in St Werburghs Community Centre, Horley Rd, BS2 9TJ. Come along to meet new people, share your craft and enjoy the coffee shop. All ages and abilities welcome and totally free! We will have a few materials at hand if you are new to crafts and would like to have a go.
Paws and Platters
Paws and Platters: East Bristol Community Food Festival and Dog Show on Barton Fields on the 3rd of November.
Hillfields, East Bristol – An exciting day of food, fun, and furry friends awaits! Barton Fields is hosting the Paws and Platters: East Bristol Community Food Festival and Dog Show on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, from 12 PM to 6 PM. The event, aimed at bringing the community together, promises to be a delightful mix of delicious food from local vendors and a spirited dog show that will entertain all ages.
The fundraiser, organized by Rani Fernandez at Bristol Community Services - Rethink Mental Illness, will raise money for the Charity Café and to contribute for the creation of a muchneeded community garden in Barton Fields. This green space initiative seeks to involve marginalised communities, offering a place for reflection, creativity, and collective well-being.
Food Festival:
Visitors can expect an exciting range of stalls and vendors offering delicious bites. It is the perfect opportunity to sample diverse cuisines while supporting a community-focused cause.
Dog Show:
For pet lovers, the dog show will be a highlight of the day, with categories open to all furry contestants.
Categories are:
1) Most Gorgeous Girl
2) Most Handsome Dude
3) Cutiest Puppy (under 1 yr)
4)Best Rescue
5) Best Party Trick
6) Golden Oldie (over 8yrs)
7) Dog the judge would like to take home
8) Best in show.
Written by Rani Fernandez
The entry fee is £1 per category, and the competition will start at 2 pm, sponsored by Redfield Pet Supplies. Cheer on your favourite dogs as they show off their best tricks, tails, and wagging personalities.
Why Attend?
Support your community: All proceeds from the event will go towards the Charity Café and the Barton Fields Community Garden Project (Rethink Mental Illness), helping create a vibrant, inclusive space in Hillfields.
Family-friendly fun: The event is designed to bring the community together, offering entertainment for the whole family. Celebrate our furry companions: The dog show gives local dog owners a chance to show off their talented and adorable doggos, adding extra charm to the day.
Registration Information:
To learn more about the event or register your dog for the show, contact Rani Fernandez, Community Development Coordinator, at rani.fernandez@rethink.org or call 07436 246182.
Do not miss this wonderful opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled day with neighbours and friends, while contributing to the growth of a new community garden in Barton Fields.
About Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink Mental Illness is a leading charity in the UK supporting those affected by mental health conditions. They work to improve the lives of people living with mental illness and their loved ones by providing vital support services and campaigning for positive change.
About Barton Fields Trust
The Barton Fields Trust aims to preserve and develop Barton Fields as a welcoming, accessible green space for the people of Hillfields. Through various initiatives, the Trust encourages community involvement and environmental stewardship.
Scan for a link to tickets!
Big Bad Bun
Put simply this is a silly naughty fun picture book which will give you a giggle along the way. The genius of this book is both its concept and the brilliant dream team coupling of Jeanne Willis' superb storytelling and the fantastic illustrative style of Tony Ross. This collaboration is truly inspired.
A little Bunny AKA Fluff. E. Jumper has a bad school report which isn't really that bad. So as to lessen its impact on his parents and the impending repercussions on the report upon his good self, Fluff decides to take matters into his own little paws and comes up with an inventive solution in the form of an extremely creative letter….
by Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross
Book review by:
Shulah Palmer-Jones
Fluff informs mum and dad Bun that he has run away from home and in a downward spiral has joined the notorious biker gang the Hell Bunnies. In detail Big Bad Bun (his gang name, being named Fluff just doesn’t fly it in a world of biker bunnies) describes his new life and the changes he has made to his life which involve staying up late, not washing his whiskers and getting a new “look” this includes ear piecing and dying his tail and of course in
true biker bunny style Big bad Bun rides a motorbike minus a helmet and this is only the beginning! That school report starts not to look so bad & the conclusion is like a little hug in a book.
Share Bristol - A Library of Things
By Anna Perry
People in Kingswood have benefitted from having a Library of Things on their doorstep for over three years already, but the rest of the city could soon be getting the opportunity to borrow instead of buy as well.
Share Bristol, the charity behind our city's Library of Things service, recently opened a second location in Bedminster, and will shortly be opening a third site at Frenchay.
Each site offers hundreds of 'Things' to borrow for a week or two at a time, meaning you don't need to buy that airbed for a guest, plastic cups for a party, a tent for that camping trip, a tool for that one-off project or a carpet cleaner for your annual spring clean.
Anna Perry, a Trustee at Share Bristol, explained: 'Our aim is to help everybody share - normalising borowing things instead of buying new, helping us live our lives without harming the environment as much, and making things affordable. With
three locations, we think over 95% of Bristol's population will be within 20 minutes drive of a Library of Things. And whilst many people don't have access to a car, all our sites are near main public transport routes - High Street in Kingswood, East St in Bedminster and the UWE transport hub at Frenchay.'
But how does it work? You join Share Bristol by buying an annual membership - £50 standard, £20 for students and people on benefits and £80 for supporters who want to 'pay it forward'. Then everything is free to borrow, whenever you want, however often you want. Anna describes it as a sharing club rather than a hire shop, because everything that's available to borrow is donated by the community, and once you're a part of it there are no hire fees. And when you're a Share Bristol member, you can borrow from any of the Library of Things locations - currently there are over 1,500 Things to borrow but Share Bristol predict this will increase to 2,000 by the end of the year.
Find out more at www.sharebristol. org.uk
What’s on...
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Afrika Eye Festival Oct - Nov
Afrika Eye Film Festival, held annually in Bristol, is the South West’s biggest celebration of African cinema and culture.
The Improv Spotlight at People's Republic of Stokes Croft Until 23 Nov
A night showcasing the very best of local talent in the Bristol improv community.
RINKO kawauchi at Arnolfini
Rinko Kawaychi: At the Edge of the everyday world. Exhibition at Arnolfini.
Bristol Black History Month Tours
18 Oct to 16 Feb
18, 19, 25 & 26 Oct
Join //Kabbo Hue Qua on thought provoking tours of central Bristol and its much-revered Cultural Quarter, which is focused around St Pauls, Montpelier, and St Agnes. Email: kabbohue@icloud.com or call 0757066 7366 for more details.
South Bristol History Festival
1 Oct - 30 Nov
Expect untold stories, revelations and hidden histories in this day of talks featuring local and national speakers.
Storytale Festival
26 Oct
Storytale Festival is back! Join on the 26th October 2024 for a full day jam packed with Storytale Festival fun at the MShed on Bristol’s iconic harbourside.
Halloween history walk of stoke park 31 Oct
A chance to join local historian Steve England as he guides us around the spooky history of the Stoke Park Estate.
Bonfire Night at Victoria Park
Celebrate Guy Fawkes Night in Victoria Park with a bonfire and food & drink stalls.
Authentic Italian Supper Club at Better Food St Werburghs
5 Nov
8 Nov
A night of delicious homemade Italian food and good company. Get ready to indulge in traditional dishes passed down through generations of the Ferrante family!
Never Let Me Go at Bristol Old Vic
5 Nov to 23 Nov
Kazuo Ishiguro’s international best-selling novel arrives on stage in this world premiere of Suzanne Heathcote’s gripping
Slow Fashion Playground - reclaim your wardrobe at Sparks 16 Nov
Discover new ways to get creative with clothing and textiles at an all-day workshop event.
Christmas Market At ST WERburghs COmmunity Centre
Stalls, local vendors, food and much more!!
6 Dec
Bristol Vegan Christmas Market At the elmgrove centre (BS6 6AH) 7 Dec
A festive day (10am till 4pm) of vegan shopping, food, treats and kids activites.
Festive Friends At St Werburgh COmmunity Centre
13 Dec
Christmas meal for older residents, music and entertainment. Free, booking is essential – office@stwerburghs.org.uk 0117 955 1351.
picton street Fayre
Picton street winter fayre with local stalls, music and crafts.
14 Dec
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Your Councillors say...
Hello, Everyone,
It’s been a busy few months since the local and national elections and the three of us have been working hard, consolidating and working as a team. Once again, thank you for voting for us as your Councillors and also Carla Denyer relays her thanks for voting for her as your MP. We are truly grateful for your confidence in us.
Some things are starting to move for St Pauls mostly due to some passionate residents. Firstly, councillors have been supporting residents campaign Better Streets St Paul’s. An exhibition of St Paul’s rubbish was held at the council house and, following that, we have supported the campaign in meeting Bristol Waste and the Council’s enforcement team. There has been lots of enforcement action for commercial rubbish, more frequent fly tipping collections and new investment. Some of you will have noticed the ‘double lid’ bins. These have a big lid for emptying at the depo and a smaller Green lid. This means people can’t flytip large objects into them. We will be keeping an eye on this but we hope you have noticed the streets being a bit cleaner. Its up to all of us to make St Paul’s cleaner.
We are also looking at some of our green spaces and several people will have been involved in the high streets discussion, so we hope to see improvements along Grosvenor road and the park. Also on Green spaces, Izzy is going to be meeting with residents who are looking to maintain Dalrymple Park to turn this into an active green space.
A lot of residents have been asking about St Paul’s Adventure playground. Tim has been meeting officers and the playground board. They are being supported by Black South West Network and really seem to be pulling plans together and we hope they can attract funding and get this much needed resource open soon. Watch this space.
All your councillors work hard on even the little things and have had a few small wins. For example, Circomeadia is developing the phone box in Potland Square to include a defiblirator and bleed kit and Tim was able to help them cut through some planning process. Again this is an example of local action we can support.
Abdul has really got stuck into the casework, of which there is a lot, and continues to run surgeries every Saturday at the Green Melon shop. This is a lot of work and a lot of liaison , for example with the police. Contact him for more information but you can obviously contact any of us below.
Izzy, Tim, Abdul
Cllr.Abdul.Malik@bristol.gov.uk
Cllr.Izzy.Russell@bristol.gov.uk
Cllr.tim.wye@bristol.gov.uk #AshleyWard #CommunityFirst
DIY Rustic Twig Star
As the grey days and long nights set in, poinsettias will bring vibrant colour and joy into the home. Widely available in garden centres, nurseries and supermarkets from the end of this month, the world's favourite winter flowering plant is available in a fabulous variety of colours and sizes, at very reasonable price points.
The poinsettia experts at Stars for Europe are full of ideas about how to incorporate these gorgeous plants into your home. Here, Dr Susanne Lux, explains how you can make a DIY Rustic Twig Star from scratch.
By Charlotte Cowell
Step 1: Make a five-pointed star out of evenly-sized twigs and tie them together at the five outer and inner crossing points with the parcel string. For more stability, you can also fix the branches at the crossover points with hot glue.
Some wreaths are incredibly opulent but sometimes less is more: In this homemade, natural hanging design, three mini poinsettia Kokedamas decorate a star made of twigs. The imperfect shape of the construction makes the beauty of the vibrant poinsettias stand out even more and gives this craft project a very special charm. This decoration is super easy to make.
WORKSPACE
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W: www.ethicalproperty.co.uk/ office-space/bristol/streamline
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Step 2: Take the mini poinsettias out of their pots, wrap their root balls with moss and secure the moss with the gold craft wire. Water the plants beforehand by immersing them in water so that they have enough moisture.
Step 3: Attach the poinsettia Kokedamas to different places on the twig star with wire.
Step 4: Hang your homemade, rustic hanging design, with its colourful mini poinsettias, in a bright place protected from drafts. To keep your wreath looking its best for as long as possible, water the poinsettias regularly from above with a small amount of water. Alternatively, carefully remove the Kokedamas and place the wrapped root balls in a container with a little lukewarm water every few days so the moss can soak it up. Allow to drain well before re-attaching.
