VOCALISE
Welcome!
Welcome to the winter edition of Vocalise, the community magazine for St. Paul’s, St. Werburgh’s St. Agnes and Montpelier.
Happy New Year! Another year has passed, and the days are finally starting to get longer. I hope you all had a lovely festive season and, although it is now over, let's not forget that it's also the start of the Carnival season!
We've got lots to celebrate and talk about in this edition, starting from celebrating some lovely stories from last year like the Big Tidy or Picton Fayre through sharing information on community initiatives and projects like Bristol Seed Swap or Decolonial Open Communiversity. We also have a lovely book recommendation to help guide you through challenges new year brings (page 3).
I hope that you will enjoy reading this edition. As always, our goal is to celebrate the good, provide wellbeing advice and share information. This is the 33rd edition of Vocalise, which has now been running for 8 years. We are very proud to have been able to fulfil our mission continuously for this long and I hope that we will be able to carry on. However, last year brought some economic challenges that have affected us too. We need your help! Please visit our Crowdfunding page and complete our survey. You'll find more details on page 4. Your support will help ensure we can continue our mission. Your feedback and support are crucial for keeping Vocalise a vibrant part of our community. Please take a moment to help us today!
Wishing you all the best for the year ahead, and thank you for being part of the Vocalise community!
Take care, Julia
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)
Julia Widz (Project Coordinator)
Ian Jones
Anna Ruggiero
Lucille Smith
Bob Lawson
Also special Thanks to all our contributors.
Front cover:
Mural by Andrew Burns Colwill on St. Werburghs Community Centre.
Vectors and photos from: Vecteezy.com.
Vocalise Bristol CIC
Introducing...
A Year to Change Your Mind
A perfect book to start the New Year, written by
Ian Jones
So, the resolutions- how are they going? If your answer lies anywhere on the “Not as well as I’d hoped / Mind your own business!” spectrum, then this is the book for you. Because January 1st, cautions Dr Lucy Maddox, has a lot to answer for. One arbitrary date on which we’re invited to review our lives, shed our bad habits and make the changes that will solve all our problems. Little wonder that the ‘New Year, New You!’ mantra is so exhausting for so many.
But it’s not just January. We flounder through the dark days of February then suddenly it’s March and Spring Cleaning madness! Even the more laid back Summer months, with their festivals, parties and holidays can be problematic for anyone with social anxiety, and, as temperatures rise, the increased potential for anger and aggression.
As a clinical psychologist, Dr Maddox is expert in interpreting the way we think, experience the world and the people in it. And by sequencing her chapters into a calendar year she’s able to take us through the moods of each season and explore common themes that she’s encountered in her therapy sessions.
Her style is chatty and colloquial, using examples from her own life as well as those from her clients. So in January, even as we learn about GAD (generalised anxiety disorder) and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) we’re never too far away from her central dilemma as she lies awake at night agonising over a move to Bristol. We get to understand why it’s so hard to make changes, and, crucially,
Do you want to promote your business or event?
Vocalise reaches over 10,000 residents per issue.
Do you want to support your local area?
Vocalise has the community at its heart
By Dr. Lucy Maddox
to stick to them. But we also pick up the tips that can help us move things forward.
It took me exactly one year to finish this book, and not just because I’m a slow reader. For, although it works as a cover to cover read, I really enjoyed dipping in and out, reading a chapter at the start of every month and then trying to apply the best bits. There’s lots of food for thought and, via the end of chapter summaries, a handy ticklist to consolidate new ideas. So why the rush? Take the pressure off. Remember, you’ve got a year to change your mind!
Get in touch... info@vocalisemagazine.org
Here!
SAVE VOCALISE
Whether this is the first time you are reading Vocalise or have been enjoying the magazine for years now, we really hope that you have always found something useful for yourself, family members or friends. Since we were established in late 2015 with the first magazine released in January 2016, our goal was to celebrate the good, share information and bring our community together. We are a magazine written by and for our community, always welcoming new volunteers, submissions from you, our readers, as well as local community organisations and groups promoting their services and projects to help you, our readers, live better, be able to find support, projects to get involved in or initiatives you would like to support.
Our impact was never tangible; we could always just look at the number of magazines that were disappearing from the shops or someone coming up to our team members saying – “What you’re doing is great, please continue!”. We could also look at the number of content submissions (of which we always had plenty) or volunteers wanting to join our team.
Written by Julia Widz Vocalise Bristol CIC
We always guessed or heard stories that someone went to a kickboxing class or a knit class found in our magazine and made a new group of friends. Or that someone joined the community garden group which improved their wellbeing. It was always enough for us, we continued to be inspired with the work we did, always trying to ensure that we meet your needs and help you be the best version of yourself.
It was always enough for our founders. As you might be aware, we have never asked for donations or charged our readers for the magazine. For the past 9 years, we worked, printed and distributed the magazine based on advertising and grants and it was always enough. But we live in quite turbulent times, coming straight out of covid and a series of lockdowns to the cost of living crisis. Many organisations in our area have been affected as have our community members. This means that it is getting harder to secure funding and our impact, whilst great, is not seen as that obvious anymore. This has put us in a difficult financial position which means that we need your help to be able to keep releasing the magazine.
Please help us!
So, we have two key asks for you. If you are able, and see the value in our magazine, please donate and help us continue releasing the magazine. Any donations are welcome and all donations will mean the world to us. We have set up a Crowfunding page (scan the QR code or go to: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ save-vocalise), and provided bank details below where you can make a donation. We never wanted to ask you this but we are at a crossroads and our future depends on your donations. We always kept our costs down and try to be as efficient as possible. On our Crowfunding page we set the target of £15,000 which would change our financial situation drastically and help us continue releasing the magazine until the end of 2025 by covering our basic administrative and printing costs.
Our Bank Details: Vocalise Bristol CIC 20662491, 16-58-10.
Second, please fill in the feedback survey (scan the QR code or go to https:// forms.gle/uECQL4xL73gviprv8).
Complete the survey!
We have done these surveys in the past and never had many responses. It is very normal, I myself rarely complete any surveys even if it means I could win some prizes! But, this time, the results of the survey will help us measure the impact we actually have on the community which is absolutely essential for us to be able to secure any funding going forward and continue releasing and distributing the magazine. If I say Vocalise’s life depends on it, I actually mean it and you, our readers, are the only people who can help save us! If you also have any stories, or testimonies of our good impact you can share with us we would be most grateful! So, may I say… whether you have read the magazine regularly, or only once and you have enjoyed it, you owe it to us ;).
The donations and the results of the survey will help us measure our impact and understand the importance of our work in the community and allow us continue doing what we’re doing best, keep being there for you with support, information and community celebration!
COME TOGETHER, TO CREATE & CELEBRATE!
The Diverse Artists Network (DAN) is excited to deliver a project under the Bristol City Council High Streets Initiative, focusing on Ashley Road and Grosvenor Road in St Pauls. This FREE-TO-ATTEND programme aims to inspire wellbeing, creativity, and community spirit through workshops, celebrations, and activities.
Launching on Saturday 11 January at St Paul’s Learning Centre, the programme runs through January and February, offering dance, pottery, parkour, singing, drumming, and craft workshops. It concludes with a showcase event,
LET’S CHEER FOR OUR COMMUNITY, on Saturday 1 March at Malcolm X Community Centre.
Designed for all ages, from children to elders, these events promise fun, connection, and vitality during the winter months.
In collaboration with creativeShift CIC, Community Pottery, Misfits Theatre, Each One Teach One, and local artists, this initiative celebrates community pride and cultural richness.
Stay updated: Facebook/Instagram/ LinkedIn @diverseartistsnetwork | Website: www.diverseartistsnetwork.co.uk
Donate here!
Be kind to yourself
‘Talk to yourself like you would someone you love’ Brene Brown.
Welcome to another new year, Vocalise readers! I hope you all had a peaceful time, and Christmas was all that you needed it to be.
Maybe it was a time of non-stop social gatherings, or maybe a time to just ‘be’ and lean into the pink skies and darker nights. For me, it was a time of quiet reflection and a chance to go ‘inwards’ and really think about how important being kind to oneself is during a difficult time.
I always thought I was pretty good at being kind to myself. I have a lot of selfcare tools in my ‘self-care tool kit’. Plus as a hypnotherapist, a wellbeing writer, and the friend who is always there to give advice, I thought I would be pretty good at being kind to myself during a hard time - it turns out I was wrong!
So readers, this article is for you and also, I have to admit, it is also a big, kind and non-judgemental reminder to myselfbeing kind to yourself is very, very important, especially during a time of grief.
Sometimes in life, being kind to oneself can feel like the toughest thing in the world to do. When we are at our lowest, we can sink into unhelpful thinking
Written by Anna Ruggiero DIP HYP CS
patterns which can add an extra layer of awfulness to an already awful situation.
Life is a series of beginnings and endings. We can never really guarantee what it has in store for us.
When we go through a traumatic event, it’s very easy to want to keep going, to be strong and resilient and to face each day with positivity and strength. Although there is nothing inherently wrong with being ‘stoic’ during hard times, our body may not be able to keep up as the trauma and grief often finds a home within our bodies, and eventually our minds will need a rest too.
As the world keeps spinning and life keeps moving, it can be hard to take the time to slow down and ‘be’ with how you’re feeling. The pressure from a constantly moving society can play havoc on our healing and rather than ‘lean into support’, and be with how we are feeling, we may force ourselves to keep going through a fear of looking vulnerable and unable to manage. Shame is a powerful emotion. So after realising that I was falling into not-so-kind ways, I took out my self-care tool kit (and also added some extra ‘tools’ along the way) and decided that what I needed was a whole heap of kindness sending my way...
Here is what I did.... I reached out for support! Meh! Surely I am meant to be the strong one?! Whilst this is true Anna (said in a kind voice obviously), you cannot pour from an empty cup, and it is okay to ask for support. As someone told me ‘Maybe now is the time to lean into the love.’ Being vulnerable feels scary and I don’t mind admitting, sometimes pretty awful, but it’s during these times of vulnerability when we can strengthen our bonds with other people and learn to love all the parts of us. It also
offers a great sense of letting go and allowing life to lead us a little rather than always needing to be in the driving seat, which let’s face it, can be pretty exhausting sometimes.
I challenged my critical inner voice. Sometimes the voice can be quiet and other times, when I feel like I’m failing in some ways, that voice grabs a microphone and bellows at me! Learning to settle that voice and offer it some kindness and compassion is perhaps the nicest thing you can do for yourself when you are suffering emotionally. Engaging in mindfulness meditation to cultivate awareness of your thoughts without judgment is a really great place to start.
I said yes. When we feel down, it is so easy to isolate and feel that life is against us. There is a time for rest, of course, and I am a massive advocate of saying no and having boundaries, yet I also realised that saying yes to seeing people felt pretty good too.
I showed kindness to others. When we are consumed by sadness and grief, it’s so easy (and completely natural) to become consumed within our own emotional worlds. I remember fondly, finding the perfect cards for my gorgeous friends and writing them personalised notes really helped me to feel a sense of connection and purpose.
I also found some peace in a letting go. I’m the queen of needing a plan (hello, Virgo over here!), but I started to find that after a while, my need to control everything to feel safe was no longer serving me, and when I started to trust life a little, letting go a bit here and there was the kindest thing I could do for myself.
We really are such magical beings, and remember, it’s okay to not be okay. You are human and you are loved.
Love Anna x
Bristol Seed Swap
Growing Community Through the Power of Seeds
I attend Bristol seed swap every February. I’m not an expert gardener by any means but I am improving thanks to the things I’ve learned and the advice I received at swaps over the years. Also, I’ve always found it annoying how many seeds are just left in the packet after you have done your sowing and this is a place to share them and gather a few more. And it’s strikes a blow against Big Seed. Plus, the cake is so good.
What is the Bristol Seed Swap?
The Seed Swap is an event where people gather to swap and share seeds of all types. Attendees bring seeds they have left over or collected from their own gardens, and in exchange, they can take seeds from others to grow in their own plots and pots. You can expect
• Seed Tables - where you can browse to choose the seeds you need
By Lucille Smith
• Speakers - hear from experts on seed saving, food resilience, gardening and more
(The programme for 2025 is yet to be confirmed. Keep an eye on socials for more info)
• Stalls - selling plants, seeds, 'green' goods and promoting organisations with a growing or ethical theme
• Food - a wonderful pop-up cafe serving fabulous drinks, soup and cake
• Information - about local growing projects, and how to get growing
• People - lots of friendly and happy volunteers and visitors
Promoting Sustainability and Biodiversity
By swapping seeds, people are saving different types of plants that might otherwise be lost.
Growing your own food reduces the carbon footprint and can increase community resilience in the face of food insecurity. Plus, it’s fun! Gardening helps people connect with nature and learn how plants grow.
The Bristol Seed Swap isn’t just about swapping seeds; it’s about connection over a common passion for gardening and sustainability. It’s a space where seasoned gardeners can share tips with beginners, and where families can introduce their children to the magic of growing plants.
Seed Swap Etiquette and Tips
If you’re planning to come to a Seed Swap, there are a few tips to make the most of the experience:
Bring Seeds to Swap: If you have extra seeds from your own garden, bring them along! It’s a great way to share what you’ve grown with others. If you don’t have any seeds to swap you can give a donation instead if you are able to.
Start Small: Don’t worry if you’re new to gardening. Even bringing a small packet of seeds can be helpful for others, and you’ll still be able to find plenty of new seeds to take home.
Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask. There will be lots of friendly people there, including gardening experts, who are happy to share advice.
The Bristol Seed Swap is much more than just an event for exchanging seeds. It’s a chance to connect with others who love plants and gardening. It’s a celebration of community, sustainability, and the power of growing. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a
Think About Your Garden: Consider what types of plants grow well where you live, and look for seeds that will thrive in your garden.
Thoughts from an Oldie
It’s winter and I’ve been browsing Bygone Bristol and Born in the 40’s on Facebook which have conjured up some memories of my own. I was born in October 1946, a year before the NHS got going, rationing was still in place and by all accounts it was a terrible winter. I’m a Londoner but from 17 months old lived abroad, Holland, Germany, Brazil and America where my father was serving as a career diplomat. I graduated from an American school and left home but my parents sent me back to England when they found me and I lived briefly with my cousin near Truro before sticking a pin in a map landing on Bristol, a place I’d never heard of. I was 18, owned nothing but my Martin guitar and a few clothes and a pillow my cousin gave me for comfort.
That was 60 years ago when the Centre still had baths and toilets where I made my ablutions as I squatted in one of the Greorgian houses that were later pulled down to build the Children's Hospital. Squatting during the last half of the 20th century was a way of life for many of us, but that first time was short lived for me as the Editor at the Evening Post needed someone who understood German as Bristol is twinned with Hanover. I actually don’t remember this being relevant in the end, but I became his secretary briefly before being sent upstairs to become a junior reporter and headed out straight away with absolutely no training relying on buses to find my way about. My first story was at Jolly’s next to the Royal West of England Acadamy on Queens Road, now
written by Hilary Finch
part of Bristol University having been Habitat for a a few years too. I was covering a fashion show, something I knew little about as I was still wearing my American school uniform to work!
At that time the Evening Post office was opposite the Odeon Cinema, in town, most of which is now Lidl and the print room still used letter blocks set up manually to create the newspaper. Soon after the paper changed editors and moved to Old Market. I didn’t like the new boss and I could see that without any significant qualifications I was not going to get anywhere and didn’t like some of the policies. I was sharing a flat with a classical musician off Whiteladies Road, Clifton (affordable in those days) but the new editor told me I had to move to Fishponds as I did most of my reporting from there, Warmley and Kingswood. That was not a good move
so ended up drifting from flat to flat and quit the newspaper. I had got married at some point and lived on Fern Street in St Pauls for a while. The building was attached to a garage run by Jamaicans but it was all about to be demolished and has since been rebuilt. The ceiling fell in but fortunately nobody was hurt. I did occasionally play and sing Joan Baez and Bob Dylan songs in pubs and working men's clubs, but it was all very male oriented then. The photo is me in 1966 I think, playing at Fishponds
a Polish man, lived opposite St Agnes Church and my husband worked with him for a while but in the Mina Road park. I used to visit him there occasionally for lunch where he would be sat in the shed on the central grass area. Those days are long gone, the husband too, and I’m living in St Werburgh's now where friends of mine who grew up here remember the parkies and the shed!
After various other events, jobs and situations I was once again home
Taster Course
3 February to 31 March 2025 Thursdays, 6:30 pm to 8 pm at the Barton Hill Micro-campus
This 8-week course will introduce you to the basics of creative writing Learn how your experiences can be applied to writing stories
The Big Tidy Project
By Hannah Stubbs
A chat with Naomi Davis, Community Engagement Lead for the Big Tidy project
Tell us about the Big Tidy and its goals.
The Big Tidy project was launched by Bristol Waste and Bristol City Council in 2019, with the aim of bringing the sparkle back to all 34 wards of Bristol. Since then, we’ve got 1,800+ streets, footpaths and bridges sparkling again, cleared over 11,000 tags from walls, bridges, benches and bollards, and removed and investigated 800+ fly-tips. We’ve also cleared over 50 gardens where elderly and disabled residents in council-owned properties have been unable to look after the garden themselves. It’s been amazing to see the impact a tidy garden can have on their wellbeing!
Where does litter picking come into it?
We want people to feel proud of and responsible for their area and litter picking is a great way to do that. Once you’ve spent a few hours cleaning an area, you feel a real sense of accomplishment and a desire to keep it that way. We’ve held two litter picks this year in St Paul’s in collaboration with Places for People, with a grand total of 95 bags of litter collected.
Anyone can book a litter picking kit for free on the Bristol Waste website, or you can contact the team at bigtidy@bristolwastecompany.co.uk for help organising a community litter pick. You can also find a litter picking kit to borrow at the St Paul’s Learning Centre.
How important is managing your waste and recycling properly?
It’s hugely important, not only to keep your area looking clean and tidy, but also for the environment. By putting your waste and recycling in the right containers and not fly-tipping, you’re making sure it’s disposed of responsibly and doesn’t harm any local area or wildlife. From my experience at Bristol Waste, I know just how upsetting a fly-tip or litter filled street can be. When you get rid of your waste properly, it’s a win for everyone.
If you want more help with managing your waste, we have lots of resources available at bristolwastecompany. co.uk/household. You can also organise an assisted collection for your waste by calling 0117 922 2100.
If I spot litter, fly-tipping or graffiti, what should I do?
The best way to get this sorted is by reporting it. I know it can feel a bit pointless when the issue just keeps coming back, but it’s essential information for us to build a picture of where the problems are and how we can solve them. We’re aware that St Paul’s has been a hotspot for litter and fly-tipping, and we’re working hard with residents and the council to resolve this.
Our recent skip scheme with Places for People, funded by LiveWest and MD Group, was a successful way for residents to get easily get rid of bulky waste. You can report all street cleaning related issues on the Bristol City Council website: bristol.gov. uk/residents/streets-travel/report-astreet-issue
Community Collaboration in Action!
The #BigTidy and Places for People joined forces to clean up St Paul’s, and what an incredible day it was. Together, with local residents, @Bristol City Council, and even some enthusiastic nursery children, we managed to collect 45 bags of waste and fill four skips, helping Customers tackle fly-tipping and reclaim their streets.
The sunny autumn day saw 45 volunteers including eight young litter pickers, and a tremendous amount of Community spirit!
Big thank you to @MD Group and @LiveWest for their support and for providing skips, which helped Customers without access to disposal options get rid of unwanted items safely. We’re grateful to the Bristol City Council Streets team for coordinating and the St Paul’s residents for their commitment to this positive change. Together, we're creating cleaner, safer, and more connected Communities in Bristol!
I have been so impressed with the transition into Year 7. My child is speaking incredibly positively about the teachers and is motivated to learn.”
St. Werburghs Community Centre
Sauna Consultation
St Werburghs Community Centre are looking into the feasibility of building a community sauna onsite. We would love to hear your thoughts and feedback! Please answer our online survey on the QR code or visit our website www. stwerburghs.org.uk, it only takes a few minutes and it helps us shape our community centre.
If the project becomes a reality, the sauna would aim to generate income for the ongoing maintenance, repairs and development of St Werburghs Community Centre, as well as providing an affordable sauna facility for the community of St Werburghs.
We can also provide printed copies of the survey at the community centre, please ask at reception. If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything further please get in touch with ella@stwerburghs.org.uk .
Warm Welcome
Our Warm Welcome is running once more over the Winter months! Join us at our weekly drop in, get advice, relax and chill in an open and warm community
hub with free facilities. Citizens Advice Bureau and Clean Slate, as well as other advice agencies, will be available for you to get the advice you need and help you access benefits, energy topups and manage your finances.
We also have Warm Packs available for local residents including cosy blankets and hot water bottles. Help us spread the word among people who would benefit from these and encourage them to come to the centre, we are only able to provide these items in person.
Join us for a warm cup of tea at our Warm Welcome every Thursday from 10am – 2pm, other hot and cold drinks available. For more information contact our office on 0771 955 1351 or email office@stwerburghs.org.uk.
Death Cafe St Werburghs:
Join us for a relaxed conversation about death and dying. What is a Death Café? At a Death Cafe people,
often strangers, gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death. A Death Cafe is a group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session.
Death Cafes are always offered:
– On a not for profit basis
– In an accessible, respectful and confidential space
– With no intention of leading people to any conclusion, product or course of action
St Werburghs Death Cafe runs on the last Monday of the month from 3pm – 5 pm, starting on the 27th January 2024. For more information contact Silvia on 0117 955 1351 or email silvia@stwerburghs.org.uk. This is a free event, donations are welcome.
Smooth Style Swing - Monthly Swing Dance Classes in 2025
A series of beginner dance classes from Andrew Richardson who has more than 25 years of experience as a Swing and Lindy Hop dancer. Each class will be focused on a particular style or theme within Swing jazz partner dance. The classes will teach you how to develop your sense of rhythm and apply simple techniques for easy, smooth and comfortable social dance.
Last Thursday of the Month - 7.30pm to 9pm. These events are free and open to anyone, suggested donation of £3 to contribute to running costs.
•Thursday 30th January – 1920s/30s Foxtrot
•Thursday 27th February – Charleston
•Thursday 27th March – Open Hold & Breakaway
•Thursday 24th April – Introduction to Smooth Style Lindy Hop
•Thursday 29th May – Core Technique, Best Practice & Floor Craft
Eligible groups can get up to six 2-hour sessions at St Werburghs Community Centre for free
We invite Ashley groups and residents to benefit from our Community Hub Scheme. Funded by Bristol City Council's Community Hubs, this initiative offers local groups the opportunity to access up to six 2-hour sessions at St Werburghs Community Centre.
Eligible groups include small charities, CICs, voluntary groups and communities of interests. The activity or event must benefit and/or engage Ashley residents. We will prioritise existing groups led by Ashley residents that are new to the Community Centre. Please note that political and faith groups are not eligible.
If you would like to have an informal discussion about your activity or event, please contact Silvia on silvia@stwerburghs.org.uk or by calling 0117 955 1351.
Taste My Life Through Food
by Stanley Tucci
Taste My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci is like the best and most sumptuous and delicious of stews on a winter's night: a warming, surprising and ultimately a comforting read. Out of the New York suburbs Tucci’s early life is the story of many immigrant families seeking opportunities and better fortunes. A family staying within the familiarity of their own community and traditions (in Tucci’s case Italian), while at the same time blending and incorporating those of their new adopted country (America and now England). And like the best nights out great food is shared and good stories told.
Stanley unselfishly gifts the reader family recipes throughout the book (full recipes' ingredients, method and cooking hints and tips) and for us nonItalians writes to assist in navigating the dos and don’ts of Italian culinary etiquette, for example which pasta to pair with ragu (so I learned something too).
This is not a heavy book however it does contain strong themes of deep, love and loss, fortunes gone bad and uplifted to the good, all through food. A real page turner, it is a great book to get lost in, though I do recommend that you have a snack or two at hand as I was hungry just reading it. Ultimately, I feel Stanley Tucci’s
Book review by:
Shulah Palmer-Jones
life is a story of resilience and optimism bore from experience and a love of food bordering on the obsessional. I was sad when I came to the end but at the same time felt full and satisfied, a good marker of a great read!
Cabot Primary School
Award winning authors and illustrators visit Cabot Primary for celebration
Marcus Rashford’s ghost writer Alex Falase Koya and JT Williams, whose debut short story featured in Robin Stevens’ ‘The Very Merry Murder Club’, were just two of the stars to visit Cabot Primary School to contribute to the library’s week long 10 year anniversary celebrations. A number of students also had a chance to shine, as they animatedly led their poetry performances, before a cake specially made for the occasion was devoured.
IlIllustrator Paula Bowles delivered engaging workshops around her ‘When I feel’ books. She was joined by Alex Falase-Koya to give an exciting workshop based on their incredibly popular superhero Marv books pupils. The students were transported into an action-packed fantastical world, certainly not resonant of any typical school day!
The week was rounded off by JT Williams, who led a fascinating assembly based on her book ‘Bright Stars of
Black British History’. Linking nicely with Black History Month, this “richly illustrated collection presents the extraordinary life stories of fourteen bright stars from Black British history - from Tudor England to modern Britain - and charts their ongoing influence” (Source: Love Reading for Kids).
Felicity Llewelyn-Hodgson, Principal of Cabot Primary School comments: “We felt very privileged to receive funding from the Storytale Festival so that we could celebrate the library’s anniversary in style. The children were made to not only feel special, but were energised to discover, or continue discovering, the wonder and magic in books.
“One of my highlights was inviting the parents and carers to see their children delivering some fantastic poetry performances, with the biggest smiles on their faces.”
From left to right - Felicity Llewelyn-Hodgson, Principal of Cabot Primary School, Albert Gardiner, Chair of Governors at Cabot Primary School and Gemma Davies, Reading Recovery Teacher at Cabot Primary School
From left to right - Paula Bowles (illustrator), Alex Falase Koya (author), Ellie Freeman from the Storytale Festival & Josie Abram Millar, Librarian at Cabot Primary School
Unite With the Global Majority!
Words By //Kabbo Hue Qua Tura and Nils Agger
On the 9th November 2024, a truly momentous international community gathering happened at the Kuumba Centre in St Paul’s, Bristol. We hosted people from Indigenous “Communities of Resistance” against post colonial, neo-liberal and imperial political and economic forces from around the world.
Cultural representatives of communities from Afrika, Abya Yala (Americas), Caribbean and Europe gathered in Bristol to share their experiences in resistance; looking to foster closer cultural ties with communities in the UK. This gathering was part of the broader UK tour that occurred between 28th October - 19th November 2024.
“The Decolonial Open Communiversity (DOC) is an educational institution of various processes, led by the efforts of Indigenous Communities globally, now working to escalate the Educational Revolution and build a Global Academy Commons.
This initiative was started two years ago, when a number of different communities and structures came together to launch the Planet Repairs Action Learning Educational Revolution (PRALER) to support and strengthen in organising for Planet Repairs.”
It was a beautiful, passionate, engaging and heartfelt experience. Filled with difficult conversations, tears, cultural celebrations and appreciation, storytelling, dance, good food, music, collective singing, chanting, collaboration and ancestral calling.
Difficult questions and provocations were posed to us; as allies, in practically supporting the global, geopolitical struggle of Indigenous peoples today; ever since Europe immorally imposed
its greed-driven colonial, war mongering and empire building ambitions onto the rest of us.
A great debt is owed. One that can not be denied or withheld indefinitely. The question is; what can we do to create a more loving, caring, nurturing, equal, commonly shared world for all? With this question in mind, I asked one of the Bristol organisers, Nils Agger to reflect on his experience.
Nils Agger’s reflections:
On the 3rd of August 2024, I along with hundreds of people gathered outside the Mercure Hotel in Redcliffe housing asylum seekers to protect it against far-right violence spilling over from an earlier rally. We formed a human chain of solidarity with those housed inside. Thankfully, only a small group of about fifty or so showed. A scuffle unfolded; a few bear cans were thrown, one of which almost hit me in the face, but for the placard stencil portrait of Sylvia Pankhurst I was holding. Fisty cuffs ensued yet we remained unmoved. They dispersed when more police arrived.
The portrait of Sylvia was to stimulate curiosity and remind people of the movement against facism she led during the 1920’s. Sylvia, daughter of the famous suffragette Emmeline
Pankhurst, enraged her family and other conservative elements within the suffrage movement after advocating for working class women's right to vote. She also opposed World War 1.
When Mussolini took power in Italy and started an imperialist expansion into Afrika, she stood in solidarity with the Ethiopian people against facism and dedicated her life to fighting its spread across Europe.
We intend to honour and embrace the importance of these organising traditions still in existence across the country. Our hosting of the Decolonial Open Communiversity is our attempt to build on these traditions. This and wanting to celebrate the legacy of Bristolian journalist and historian Basil Davidson. He committed his skills in the service of the decolonisation of Afrika through writing books and reporting on, to popularise the continent's history. He was a trusted and respected journalist reporting from the frontlines during the anti-colonial resistance.
We filled the walls of the Kuumba with posters of today’s frontline activists from Mali, Mexico, Peru and Burkina Faso, laminated sheets with stories of resistance from across the UK, banners from anti-war actions, and in centre stage the flags of Palestine, Lebanon, Niger, Burkina Faso, West Papua and a Wiphala, a flag used by many indigenous communities in the Andes Mountains.
We initiated the opening ceremony that reflected on and imbued the importance of various natural elements for guidance to set the tone. It was our grounding ritual that evoked a sense of belonging in the world as something bigger than ourselves. Each delegate shared their perspectives on internationalist solidarity and decolonisation from their communities.
We heard from Omar Farouk, a member of the grassroots media collective Radio Zapote in Mexico City. He recounted how their indigenous communities were fighting for their sovereignty. Using radio as the medium through which they are building solidarity and visibility.
Piaba Madokwe spoke about our South Africa, also known as Azania, about our continual struggle against the apartheid system still maintaining an economic situation making it the most unequal society in the world.
Rosita Yauris from Peru spoke about The National Federation of Indigenous, peasant, rural and unsalaried women (FENMUCARINAP). And their role in building a more democratic Peru in the face of the current illegitimate rightwing dictatorship ruining their country. A struggle in which many people died during protests.
All delegates emphasised that they are not victims and looking for charity. They want to build solidarity and renewed cross-cultural and continental cohesion for a better world. The Decolonial Open Communiversity is the platform we’re building to support this coming together. Join us! We need everybody to get involved! One Love!
(Contact bristolcollsag@proton.me to get involved locally, or help us by making a contribution to the PRALER Fund: www.praler/praler-fund
The Time, The Place
It starts with a yellow weather warning the day before. High winds and rain. Ashton Court is already cancelled; things aren’t looking good. Then, barely one hour before start time, a Facebook post. “It’s wet, it’s windy, but we think it looks okay to run this morning!” To prove the point, there’s a photo of 3 grinning volunteers decked out in heavy duty rain gear.
In the comments, the relief is palpable. “Whoop Whoop!” “Nice one!” “Yessss, see you there!” And so it is that at 8.45am on January 1st, 2025, I’m waiting on the corner for my running mentor Vanessa, herself a veteran of over 500 parkruns, ready to head over to Eastville Park for the first event of the year.
What can I tell you about parkrun? Well, it’s free and it takes place over 3 miles/ 5k, mostly on at 9:00am on Saturday mornings with a shorter junior event on Sundays. It’s open to all abilities, so If you don’t fancy running, jogging and walking are also options. And if none of these appeal, you can volunteer or simply spectate. Oh, and the ‘p’ is always lower case.
Written by Ian Jones
Eastville Park, January 1st 2025
A hi vis gaggle, we congregate before run director Emma who conducts a megaphone briefing. There’s a reassuring school assembly vibe, reading out the notices. Shout-outs for the milestone runners. Someone’s completing their 25th parkrun today, someone else their 50th. There’s one brave soul embarking on their first. A welcome to our visitors - no internationals on this occasion, but Southampton and Bournemouth are both represented, plus a plucky adventurer who’s popped over from Sea Mills.
Whilst parkrun itself has been up and running (also jogging, walking etc) for forty years and counting, the Eastville event is a relative rookie, having first laced up its box fresh (now mud splattered) trainers back in November 2017. Since then, almost 30,000 participants have completed the course. Even today, despite the elements, and possible heavy partying the night before, almost 500 people of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes have turned up to get their parkrun fix.
Some final reminders. The route is two short laps, plus a longer one around the lake. Keep to the left and respect other park users. Under 11s run within arm’s reach of a parent or guardian. One dog per person on a short lead. And it’s not just dogsbuggies are allowed too. (I once saw a runner haring around the course with what sounded like a seriously unwilling toddler. Turned out the toddler was actually in charge and yelling instructions“Faster! Faster!”)
Notices over, we shuffle together. The walkers, the joggers, the runners, the visitors, the responsibly-armed adults, the sensibly tethered dogs, the personal besters, the just-got-out-of-bedders, the veterans and the newbies all facing in the same direction. Emma congratulates us in advance on what will be our best time of the year.
The rain eases momentarily. Three, two, one. We’re off!
Find out more: www.parkrun.org.uk
Picton Street Fayre
On the 14th of December the street was transformed by the energy of the phenomenal team of volunteers who give up their time gladly for such a great cause.
As the Fayre is all about the Community coming together to be entertained by the array of talent on the stage. Supporting local makers in the Street Market. It is a delight to behold to see the street in all its glory on that day.
All the fun of a Winter Fayre. Charity bar. Bunting. Twinkly lights. Joyful Happy people. So sociable & fun.
Written by Bob Lawson
Along with the kind support of local businesses the Fayre is able to achieve its ultimate aim, which is to raise funds for local charites. This year they are supporting 'Aid Box' who do amazing work with refugees.
'The Swan Project' a charity who work with people with addictions. Also, they are buying a bleed kit for Montpelier Heath Center. All good stuff.
Well done to the team! Especially on the clean up after. I am always impressed with the whole set up as there is lot of bureaucracy & hoops to jump through to put on such a worthy event.
On behalf of The Picton Street Committee: Get involved next year...come and join the team. Contact Trish on 07854872536 Picton Stret Fayre committee.
It’s like a secret society except everyone is invited
Nicola is a passionate linguist and believes that everyone can learn a language and you are never too old or too young to start. She has been teaching Spanish from Beginner to Advanced levels for over 20 years in an immersive way using storytelling, authentic conversations and culture which builds competence and confidence and is FUN!
MYTH: Languages are hard to learn.
FACT: You’ve all learnt one with no effort as a child through something called ‘immersion’ which can be created in a small group learning environment so it feels easy and natural.
MYTH: Everyone speaks English. FACT: 75% of the world speaks no English at all; of the 25% who do, many speak two or more languages. By prioritising learning a language we can help our children compete in our modern world.
MYTH: It takes a long time to learn a language.
FACT: It starts with the very first lesson, and like any skill, practice makes progress. You don’t even need to be fluent in order to start gaining some of the benefits. It builds friendships, business connections, a healthier brain and even gets you better service!
MYTH: People in the UK don’t want to learn a second language.
FACT: 1000s of adults are going back to ‘night school’ to learn a language and it was amongst the top
Edited by Bob Lawson
three activities that people took up during Lockdown when they had more time.
If you would like to learn Spanish in a natural way - immersed in the language and culture amongst the beauty of the Costa Blanca, Nicola is hosting a Spanish Culture and Language Immersion Retreat in Spain from 12th - 17th April 2025. Go to www.scaliretreats.com or email Nicola@scaliretreats.com for more information. Quote ‘VOCALISE’ to access up to 20% off by 31st January 2025.
Photo by Condé Nast
Nicola is the author of Roni la Rana (Roni the Frog), a bilingual children’s book for English speakers, so parents, grandparents and teachers can learn Spanish together whilst reading aloud to children. www.ronifonix.com
What’s on...
KARAOKE AT THE FARM
Sign up at 7pm, kicks off at 8pm. Hosted by the entertaining ....Matt & Tom!.
The Bristol Comedy Festival
Running an event?
Let us know and we'll help promote it!
Every Second Wednesday from 8 Jan
12 - 25 Jan
A brand new comedy festival is coming to Bristol from the 12th - 25th January 2025. Expect tour shows, work in progresses, roast battles, local talent, a comedy competition, stand up, sketch comedy, secret headliners, pop up events, comedy on King Street, and even a late night comedy rave!
RIOT ACT at Loco club
20 Jan
Bristol’s newest Comedy and Poetry Open Mic Experience kicks 2025 off with a bang on Monday January 20 th 6.30pm10.45pm at The Loco Klub, Clock Tower Yard, BS1 6QH. An open mic headlined by Comedy Legend Mark Thomas and local Poetry heroes Edson Burton and Lawrence Hoo, join us for an affordable night of uplifting fun..
Death Café At St Werburgh COmmunity Centre
Join us for a relaxed conversation about death and dying over a cuppa. No set agenda, no expectation to share
27 Jan
Cotham Club presents: The Shephali Frost Ensemble 31 Jan
Critically acclaimed spoken-word poet and singer Shephali Frost leads a mesmerising melding of South Asian medieval folk, Indian classical music, and modern jazz, blended with century-spanning Sufi poetry, and ghazals from India, Pakistan, Persia, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Bristol Light Festival
31 Jan until 9 Feb
Bristol Light Festival is set to return to Bristol for 10 days of dazzling light-based artworks to brighten up the darkest nights of January and February 2025.
Kawala at The Trinity Centre
KAWALA is a five piece band from North London.
4 Feb
Slapstick Festival: Silent Comedy Gala at Bristol Beacon 14 Feb Valentine’s Day will be celebrated in a unique and unforgettable way at Bristol’s Slapstick Festival, as it marks its 20thanniversary Silent Comedy Gala.
Laibach at The Trinity Centre
25 Feb
Laibach is a Slovenian and Yugoslav avant-garde music group associated with the industrial, martial, and neo-classical genres.
BRISTOL SEED SWAP
28 Feb & 29 March
Expect untold stories, revelations and hidden histories in this day of talks featuring local and national speakers.
Marcus Brigstocke: Vitruvian Mango at Bristol Old Vic
2 March
What are men for? Machines lift, computers solve, and puddles need no capes. Award-winning MAN Marcus Brigstocke thinks we might still have a purpose. His new show explores it—progressively, of course. Think Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, but Marcus’ Vitruvian Mango: sweeter, softer, and delicately perfumed. - Comedy Show
Nubiyan Twist at The Trinity Centre
Discover new ways to get creative with clothing and textiles at an all-day workshop event.
Anniversary Special at The People's Republic of Stokes Croft
Stalls, local vendors, food and much more!!
13 March
22 March
PUZZLES
SUDOKU
Difficulty level: EASY
Difficulty level: MEDIUM
Difficulty level: HARD
Your Councillors say...
Hello, Everyone,
Happy new year to all readers. All three councillors have been focused in St Paul’s recently with a great deal of activity. Some examples are as follows:
Abdul has been running a weekly Saturday Surgery at 2pm at the Green Melon. A lot of residents with issues tell us they don’t have good access to us, for example can’t access internet so easily. Abdul has really helped a number people in St Paul’s to access us for casework across a range of issues: housing, taxi licences, reporting anti-social behaviour. Tim has been helping the board of St Paul’s adventure Playground which has been closed for some time. He is advising the board and acting as a bridge to the council, for example getting some bills cancelled. Its really good news that there are new trustees and there should be an announcement to the community soon.
Meanwhile Izzy has been doing some work around Anti-Social Behaviour in Brunswick square and surrounds, working with police over drug dealing and some noisy venues that have been causing problems in the area. All three of us have been working with the resident lead Better Streets St Paul’s campaign with regular meetings with Bristol Waste, Council enforcement officers and residents. The last meeting in November we noted continued improvement addressing fly tipping and installing trial ‘double lid’ communal bins. We will continue to meet to ensure that initial improvements don’t slip.
We have also been picking up on streets that have had particular problems as Bristol Waste implement their re-routing. For example, Tim picked up on one street which needed a ‘small’ truck but in the re-route had been allocated a large truck that couldn’t get down the street).
A reminder of our contact details
Cllr.Izzy.Russell@bristol.gov. uk
Cllr.Abdul.Malik@bristol.gov.uk
Cllr.tim.wye@bristol.gov.uk
Izzy, Tim, Abdul #AshleyWard #CommunityFirst #LocalLeadership #BristolVocaliseCIC
Police Update
As we gear up for 2025, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on our summer! It’s been a whirlwind of activity, with the hot weather keeping us on our toes. I know we’ve been a bit quieter in the community, but rest assured, it’s because we’ve been tackling the high demand and some wild moments across Bristol and beyond. Sometimes, the sun brings out the challenging side of people! You may have noticed that we’ve been a little less visible lately. Between the busy season and some of our team members taking muchneeded breaks to recharge and spend time with their families, we’ve had to focus on other priorities. But don’t worry – we’re coming back stronger than ever in 2025!
Written by PS Maz Collacott-Nuur
Plus, the amazing April from Bristol City Council holds a drop-in at St. Paul’s Learning Centre every Thursday, and we’ll be popping by to check in with you all there too.
Have a group that would like a session?
Let us know! We can run workshops on: How to report crime Knife crime awareness Fraud prevention tips Drop us an email, and we’ll be happy to arrange something for your group!
A bittersweet note: Our amazing PCSO Karla will be moving on to become a Detective with Avon and Somerset Police. Karla has done incredible work in building relationships with the community, and we’ll definitely miss her bright energy and the connection she has with residents. We wish her all the best in this exciting new chapter!
As you know, community engagement is at the heart of Neighbourhood Policing, and we’re excited to dive back into those activities. You'll soon see me and the team out and about running our "Talk To Us" events around Ashley Ward again, so please stop by, say hello, and most importantly, tell us how we can support you! We want to hear what’s going on in your world.
Make sure to keep an eye on our website at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk for our upcoming "Talk to Us," bike marking, and Walk and Talk events. I’ve hosted a few Walk and Talk events, and they’re a great opportunity for female residents to walk around the Ashley area with a female PC or PCSO to point out places where they might feel unsafe.
Looking ahead to 2025, tackling Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) will be one of our main focuses. It’s really important that you report these incidents so we can pinpoint problem areas and work to make the community safer for everyone. So don’t hesitate – your reports matter!
And finally, if you or someone you know got a bike for Christmas, don’t forget to reach out to us to get it marked – it’s free! If your bike ever gets stolen, having it marked increases the chance we can recover it.
We’re also attending regular drop-in sessions, like the ones hosted by Horn Youth every other Thursday at Carr House, as well as new "Talk To Us" events at Halston Drive, Grosvenor Road, and Burnell Drive.
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year, Ashley Ward! We can’t wait to get back out there and continue working with all of you.
Sgt Maz and the Ashely Ward team
Your usual collection day Revised collection day
Wed 25 Dec
Thur 26 Dec
Fri 27 Dec
Mon 30 Dec
Tue 31 Dec
Wed 1 Jan
Thur 2 Jan
Fri 3 Jan
Mon 6 Jan
Tue 7 Jan
Wed 8 Jan
Thur 9 Jan
Fri 10 Jan Fri 27 Dec Sat 28 Dec Mon 30 Dec Tue 31 Dec Thur 2 Jan Fri 3 Jan Sat 4 Jan Mon 6 Jan Tue 7 Jan Wed 8 Jan Thur 9 Jan Fri 10 Jan Sat 11 Jan
Normal collections from Mon 13 Jan
Scan me!
Do you know when your big bin day is after the holidays?
Waste and recycling collections pause on 25 and 26 December and New Year’s Day. This means your collection day will change for a few weeks.
Christmas trees
Take your Christmas tree to your nearest recycling centre for free.
For those with a tree collection, put it out on your first big bin day starting from Tuesday 7 January.
2025 collection dates
Download your 2025 calendar now! bristolwastecompany.co.uk/festive
Garden and bulky waste
Don’t forget, paid bulky and garden waste services are paused over the festive period as well as all deliveries for replacement bins.
For more info and festive tips visit: bristolwastecompany.co.uk/festive