Vocalise Issue 8 October 2018

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Community news and updates Celebrating local creativity and local people Find out what’s happening in Ashley over Autumn Competitions, puzzles and prizes!

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October - December 2018

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Your free community magazine for Montpelier, St Pauls and St Werburghs

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OCTOBER - DECEMBER

Welcome to Vocalise!

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ocalise magazine is a voice and resource for the community of St Pauls, St Werburghs, St Agnes and Montpelier.

We want you to be more informed and able to participate in your local media. Vocalise is run by local people for local people, we are always open to new writers, ideas, news and views so get in touch info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk.

This is the 8th edition and it celebrates our successful St Pauls carnival, local groups, Roy Hackett, Rennie Williams, artist and illustrator Jo Elliott and performer Rubba amongst others. Thank you to all the contributing writers,

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artists and local people, we hope that this magazine is enjoyed by the community.

Looking ahead we should keep an eye on St Paul’s Arts Trail developing, Co-exists battle at Hamilton House and progress at Carriageworks redevelopment.

Community news and updates will be published on Vocalise’s website in between editions of the magazine.

If you would like to contribute to the next edition, the deadline is 20th December 2018.

All contributions welcomed.

Please reuse this magazine. Share it, collage it, recycle it!

Your Photos Local Legend: Rennie Williams Local Artist: Jo Elliott World War I: Stories from St Werburghs Community Centre Local Poet: Norman Stephenson Gentrification in St Pauls Carnival Round Up Over 50’s Photography Group Thoughts from an Oldie Roy Hackett turns 90 What’s on over Autumn in Ashley Youth Voice: The negative stigma surrounding rap music Youth Opportunities Raising money for Docklands Children’s Activity Environment: REPLICATE Project Environment: Energy Saving Tips Wellbeing: Mental Health Wellbeing: Autumn Tips Supported by Puzzles Police Update Your Councillors and MP Regulated by

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This is YOUR community magazine, if you’d like to be involved get in touch: info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk vocalisemagazine.org.uk @VocaliseBristol @VocaliseBristol

Credits Published by: Vocalise Bristol CIC Backfields House Upper York Street Bristol BS2 8QJ

Vocalise Bristol CIC

Contributors: Bristol Bike Project, Children’s Scrapstore, St Pauls Adventure Playground, St Pauls Darkrooms, The Network Project, St Werburghs Community Centre, St Pauls Advice Centre, Paper Arts, St Pauls Library, Pedro Bento, Sara Roig, Hilary Finch, Judith Davis, Jo Elliott, Ziva Zena, Norman Stephenson, Jimmy Taylor, Stephen Mcnaught, Ruth Jacobs, Rennie Williams, Catherine Carter, Jane Franklin, Linda McGlew, Dennison Joseph, Chrissie Quinnell, Matilde Battisti, Thomas Katan, //Kabbo Ferdinand, Vandna Mehta, Carole Johnson, Thangham Debbonaire, Jude English, Tom Tooth, Mike Davis.

Coordinator: Lucy McArthur Assistant Coordinator: Rosie McLellan Volunteers: Olivia Batten Becky Chamberlain Pedro Bento Directors: José Barco Judith Davis //Kabbo Ferdinand Hilary Finch Vandna Mehta Muhyadin Saed Front cover art: Thank you to Michele Curtis who created the Seven Saints of St Pauls project, her artwork can be seen on Campbell street, St Pauls.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Local Legend: Rennie Williams Written by Hilary Finch

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or the last eighteen years Rennie Williams (75) has been the early morning caretaker and cleaner at St Werburghs Community Centre. He arrived in Bristol in 1962 from St Thomas, Jamaica when he was 19 years old and joined his older brothers here, at first on Richmond Road in Montpelier. It was June so he was not shocked by our weather, but that winter was the worst on record for some years and he found that cold and miserable. He told me his story in a soft lilting voice.

“he...played reggae with the Untouchables”

He has been gainfully employed his whole life and also played reggae with the Untouchables who many must remember from the Bamboo Club days. They played many gigs there and travelled to other towns and cities.

He told me his first job was as part of the team that sunk the pillars in the water for the first Severn Bridge working 12 sometimes 15 hours without the modern Health and Safety regulations, dealing with the strong tides. A dangerous job. Another firm took over the

construction when that was done so he had to find another way to earn his living. In the Spring of 1963 he went to meetings at 119 City Road where he joined Paul Stephenson, Roy Hackett and Prince Brown to plan the boycott of Bristol buses when Black and Asian people were not allowed to work in the company.

By September of that year they had made their point but he was only allowed to wash the buses, not drive or conduct. He did this for a year at the Lawrence Hill Depot.

In the meantime he found help with housing from the Irish and Polish immigrants who were much more welcoming than the British home owners. He found more work at a now defunct crisp factory in Brislington but they sold out to Golden Wonder. He had enjoyed that place as the potato washer.

Still in his twenties he moved on to BAC at Filton as a fitter where he remained for five contented years. His boss played football on the BAC team and was often off work due to injuries! When this was the case Rennie stepped up to the job. However, when this boss moved on to other things, he asked to be considered for the position but it was given to someone else and Rennie was expected to train the man. He left considering this unfair.

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deliver this magazine! lp e who he to all thos u ! o e y in k z n a a g a Th Vocalise m rburghs te u ib tr is d t We anks to S Special th , St Pauls tr n ity Ce e s Commun d St Agne Centre an g in e n s r a a b e L ho offer a Church w om! deliver fr for us to

So on to Frys in Keynsham where he ate chocolate till he was sick of the stuff but it was one of his favourite jobs, packing chocolates and taking care of the machinery. He was on days one week and nights the next.

In 1998 he was offered voluntary redundancy when Frys was sold to Cadburys. It was a good offer so he left Frys on January 1st 1999 and started caretaking at St Werburghs in March of that year where he continues with his duties to this day.

Rennie is married and has four grown up children. He lived on Pensfield Road in St Werburghs for 30 years before his wife wanted to move to Downend where she became a preacher.

Thanks to this gentle, hard working man the St Werburghs Community Centre remains a well loved, cared for building.

Vocalise is delivered through doors of homes and businesses across St Pauls, Mon tpelier and St Werburghs. If yo u think you can help us deliver this magazine please get in touch at info@ vocalisemagazine.o rg.uk.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Local Artist: Jo Elliott Written by Hilary Finch

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he children’s book ‘Arcadia’ published by Arkbound this year was written by Odiri Ighamre and illustrated by Judith (Jo) Elliott, one of our local artists. The story, set in Africa, describes the rhythms of day to day village life and a boy’s contrasting experience of lively night spirits.

The illustrations painted in acrylics are bold and colourful, inspired by Jo’s love of nature and knowledge of Africa. It took her four years to complete, sometimes taking a month over one image.

“The narrative tells a tale that is more relevant now than ever before, this beautiful message is lifted from the page with the amazingly detailed illustration. I have read the book to children over five times now and I am still finding new hidden gems.”

Lydia A, Amazon.

Odiri, the story teller, asked her good friend to illustrate her book.

It was fortunate that Jo attended a meeting of the Diverse Artists Network (DAN) where she met people from Arkbound who took the book and Jo’s illustrations and left her the rights to her own work.

Jo was born in Liverpool and moved to the south coast when she was 8 where she loved the countryside, the

Are you a local artis t?

Or do you know som eone who would love to be featured o n this pag e?

Please get in touch! in fo@ vocalisem agazine.o rg.uk sea views and beaches. As an adult she moved to Carmarthen in Wales where, following an exhibition of her work, she was offered a place at the local technical college. By then in her 30’s and despite being a mother to several children, she managed to complete the fine art course.

She moved to Bristol with her family 17 years ago and loves the vibrancy of our area, St Pauls carnival, costumes and all the creative dancers and musicians about. These are all inspirations for her paintings.

She enjoys African dancing herself, finding the company and movement a great break from the solitude and stillness of painting.

Jo has prints of the images in ‘Arcadia’ available to order separately through jo.bristol@gmail.com.

Women Talking Event in St Pauls

Written by Hilary Finch

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his lively meeting was called by Lisa Whitehouse of Interculture: Training and Events CIC. It was held at the Malcolm X Centre on September 12th in the evening. This first meeting six women discussed

their clothes and identity – more specifically around Muslim women, the hijab and the nicab – (mistakenly called a berka in the British press).

The audience consisted only of women. Lisa introduced the speakers, some were covered and

some not and their reasons and feelings about safety, being noticed and how Bristolians and people in general reacted to them.

It was generally agreed by the broad spectrum in the audience there that women should be able to wear what ever, however they want and should not suffer racism and exclusion because of their choices.

Keep an eye out for more Women Talking discussions on other subjects of coming soon. This is a developing forum aimed at inclusion.

You can get in touch with Interculture Bristol on facebook @IntercultureBristol or on twitter @IntercultureCIC.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

World War I - Stories lost then found at St Werburghs Community Centre Written by Xeena Cooper

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he Old Scholars is a research project on the First World War Memorial plaque at the St Werburghs Community Centre.

We know that the building served the community as a School before it became the Centre we know today.

The plaque was installed upon the Mina Road Boys School in November 1920. It lists ninety-three names under:

‘Old Scholars of this School who fell in the Great War’ Before the centenary we knew very little about the plaque, only what is inscribed upon it, these became just names on a wall. This project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund is aiming to uncover the human stories behind the plaque.

Join us on a journey as we delve into some of the plaque’s secrets and help honour the memories of people who lived in this community a Century ago.

We have found two verified descendants of the men in the memorial. The descendant of Mr Frank Wren, still lives in St Werburghs. Frank Wren died on 23rd July 1918 at the age of 25.

His brother Thomas served and survived the War returning home to eventually farm a piece of land in St Werburghs.

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A Century ago Harry’s family lived at 63 St Werburghs Park. His father was a Mason’s Labourer and his Grandfather a Bootmaker. As a young man of 16 Harry was an errand boy to a local green grocer.

Harry was in the Regular Army so he had seen battle before the First World War. He fell on 8th September 1916, he was 31 years old leaving behind his wife Elizabeth and a daughter Susan.

There is so much more so if you want to learn about these stories our research team will be at the St Werburghs Arts Trail Sunday 30th September. We are also asking people to take part in a wreath making workshop and the resulting wreaths will be laid at the remembrance service.

Photo Courtesy of J. Wilkes

On Friday 9th November 2018 we will be holding a free event at St Werburghs Community Centre, we are inviting all the community to help us remember and celebrate the lives of the Old Scholars. Get in touch for more information: office@stwerburghs.org.uk or 0117 955 1351 Photo by D.Miles

Made by local people, for local people. Get in touch to be involved at info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk

Bristol Bike Project is turning 10!

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his November, we’re turning the ripe old age of 10 and to celebrate we’re hosting a whole week of BBP-themed fun and events for all our friends, family and the wider Bristol community!

We’ve come such a long way since the early days, when we were spannering from an old horse stable on the outskirts of Bristol and a back garden in Montpelier, repairing unused bicycles to be rehomed with refugees and asylum-seekers. The mound of donated bikes grew as quickly as the number of people knocking on our doors and before we knew it we were settling into the vibrant workshop in Hamilton House which we still call home today!

From our roots this project has always been about more than just giving away bicycles. We promote

sustainability and empower our community by providing an inclusive and supportive space for people from all walks of life. Since we started we’ve rehomed nearly 2,000 bicycles with people who couldn’t otherwise afford one, and welcome hundreds of people through our doors each month whether it’s to volunteer, learn mechanics, or just come and have a cuppa!

COMMUNITY NEWS

this deserves a bit of celebration!

So come hear our story and soak up the spirit of 10-year-old BBP at our week-long exhibition and programme of events this November - check out our website thebristolbikeproject.org or the Vocalise What’s On pages (15 and 16) for more details!

We’re also proud to be a cooperative led by over 180 members, putting our community at the heart of decision-making and helping our city grow by working with other like-minded organisations such as Bristol Refugee Rights, Bristol Drugs Project, and The Big Issue.

Looking back at the past 10 years, we’re immensely proud of everything we’ve achieved and we think all

Local Poet: Norman ‘Rubba’ Stephenson Introduction written by //Kabbo Ferdinand

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orman Stephenson, affectionately known as Rubba; is an Afrikan/global dance extraordinaire, celebrated performer, teacher and now Poet.

Rubba picked up his nickname as a 16 year old dancing in the streets of Bristol. His spiritual approach, fluid technique, rubber-like flexibility, supple movements and graceful style of dancing has endeared him

to audiences, fellow dancers & students all over the world.

In his own words; “African dance saved my life, I am forever grateful to the elders who introduced and taught me. Those who took me off the streets at a time when I had no prospects in life or so I thought and felt at the time. All I want to do now is give back and teach the children

Change is your friend Change is your friend Embrace this friend and it will see you through Hate this friend and life can be one miscued Why be afraid, look around every breath of a second changes are dancing around you.

Don’t let changes happen when there are no other choices Let choices be the pilot of changes With this one can be rest assured of the changes that we go through after living a fulfilled life.

Experiencing’s planes that few experience before returning back to the physical Change is the wind in the Cycle of all things.

and broader community all I can and know. I can’t dance and teach forever, can I? Today, I am managing my own social enterprise, AFIDANCE launched in 1996. We offer traditional African drumming, story telling and dance.

My contribution is as project leader, teacher, performer and workshop facilitator. I am ably supported by an eclectic collective of creative artists from all over the world. Our intention is to continue offering holistic and traditional forms of cultural expressions. I intend to keep on doing this dancing, learning, sharing.

We enhance the social cohesion and cultural sensitivity of individuals and collectives, when we do what we do.

We are based at Hamilton House in Stoke’s Croft/St Paul’s and operate under the auspices of our collective cultural social enterprise known as DMAC UK. Our work on the schools program as part of the 50th Celebrations of St Pauls Carnival is one of the highlights of my year. It is the work that we want to continue doing in the community and beyond.

Come and join us"

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Gentrification in St Pauls Written by Stephen Mcnaught Infographic by Pedro Bento

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alking around St Pauls, you might forget that it was once seen as one of Bristol’s most ‘dangerous’ areas. It is now an increasingly ‘sought after’ location, alongside the neighbouring parishes of St Werburghs and Montpelier. From the luxury flats that surround Portland Square (once a ‘red light’ district) to the blocks of student accommodation on Cumberland Street, there are examples everywhere.

“community cohesion can be eroded” The issue of gentrification is increasingly being raised by residents, with Ashley Ward being made the subject of recent academic studies on the topic. One such study, written by Stuart Rees in 2018, has drawn out some of the problems associated with gentrification and the impacts it has on the community.

“With average house prices increasing by 38.5 per cent between 2011 and 2016 in St Pauls (Zoopla, 2016), it is clear that the process of gentrification is well underway,” Mr Rees notes. Just to put this into a more historic perspective, St Pauls now sees property sales average at about £294,000, compared to £30,800 back in 1995 - a whopping 330% increase!

One of the best known impacts of gentrification is the way existing residents find it harder to remain in their area, as a result of higher prices, thus having to move away.

Alongside this, the persistent lack of affordable housing means that younger people are having to seek new areas to live, often on the fringe of the city or even outside of Bristol altogether.

With little interaction happening between newcomers and long-term residents, community cohesion 9

can be eroded. Mr Rees notes how, in interviewing people, “the majority of recent arrivals reported having no local friends; those that did have friends living in St Paul’s stated that these were also recent arrivals like themselves.” In addition, one of the most transient and enclosed communities is the student population, of which recent developments have supported a massive increase.

In other respects, the area has witnessed a number of old pubs being closed, such as the Surrey Vaults on Surrey Street or the Star and Garter in Montpelier. This means less space for long-term residents to socialise, whilst other community gathering/information points like the local library being under threat of closure earlier in the year due to funding issues. *** Council plans in 2006 and 2010 sought to secure 40% affordable or social housing for all new inner city developments over 25 units.

However, most new developments in the area have managed to fall far below it. “Developers have been able to exploit the viability assessment (under ‘Section 106’) planning loophole to escape affordable housing obligations,” says Mr Rees.

“In simple terms, if developers can argue that providing the required affordable housing results in profits for the development falling below 20%, they are able to gain planning permission without providing the

Illustration by local animator and designer Pedro Bento. Contact pedrobento@gmx.com necessary affordable housing.” This is by no means a localised problem: the charity Shelter, in its ‘Slipping through the Loophole’ research paper (2017), found that 79% of affordable homes required by local policies were lost due to Section 106. It had become a normalised part of the planning process, Shelter goes on to observe, until legislative changes came about in July this year. We can still find it present in developments across St Pauls, from the Carriageworks development on Stokes Croft (less than 10% affordable housing, the rest to be luxury apartments) to the planned high-end apartment block next to Cosies on Portland Square.

Despite now being closed, the Section 106 loophole is not the only thing to obstruct affordable housing. For student housing, which is classed in the same category as hotels, no affordable housing quota is required. Thus, in the case of Cumberland Street (entirely made up of student housing) and the recently approved application for a 220 student room block on Wilder Street, there was no requirement or expectation for affordable housing.

Developers can also use tactics like breaking up the same project into multiple different ‘lots’. The Empire Sports Centre in St Agnes is one such example, with separate planning sought for homes in the actual building as well as ones to be built in the car park right

Made by local people, for local people. Get in touch to be involved at info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk

Knightstone) and Solon – reveals an apparent void in available homes to bid for, even though there are many on-going developments managed by these associations. ***

outside. Because these units are, per application, below 25 it means that there is no requirement for affordable housing.

The practice of maximising profits from new developments is not unique to the commercial sector either. Even some social landlords appear to be exploiting the housing shortfall – as could be argued for the site on Dove Lane as land/ property prices rise, and with only 10% affordable housing planned. It does not help that the ‘HomeChoice’ system operated by Bristol City Council is practically inaccessible for most people, save for those on the highest ‘bands’ of need. A visit to the websites of main social housing providers in the area – Places for People, Liverty (formerly

Since 2015, following the disbanding of St Pauls Unlimited, there has been a void in the community being able to get involved with decision-making processes such as planning – something that is further compounded by the demise of the Neighbourhood Partnerships in 2017-18. Whilst some voluntary community groups have since stepped forward, they lack structure and funding, with no formal intersection between residents and statutory bodies such as the Council, police and others that used to attend Neighbourhood Partnership meetings. It could be argued that this is beneficial for private developers, since they can avoid truly engaging the community whilst utilising means in which to ‘manufacture consent’. Likewise, with no active Neighbourhood Plan, there is nothing for the community to hold developers to account. As noted by Mr Rees, “these issues

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highlight the need for a group which would help local citizens have a meaningful say in the planning process and put pressure on developers to meet the needs of long-term residents.”

Vocalise magazine previously provided coverage on meetings where this very need was raised, but to date there has been no progress.

Whilst this remains the case, the highway to development in St Pauls continues to be wide open.

To find out updates and meetings about this topic contact your local councillor.

The Network Project: Building

residents and groups in Ashley to organise campaigns, plan events and set up new groups.

Written by The Network Project team

Over the next few months we will be focusing on creating events to bring people together around some of the issues mentioned above.

resident-led change in Ashley

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he Network team have been busy organising pop-up play events in parks in Ashley, gathering the views of residents, and supporting two community events: Love Your Streets Clean Up Day in St Paul’s as well as the Summer Fun Day fundraiser for St Paul’s Adventure Playground. The fundraiser raised £1200 for the playground, and brought together different community groups in support of the playground including the Scrapstore, Learning Partnership West team, Imayla, TALO, and many other committed individuals who made the day a huge success.

What we’ve been hearing Over the course of the last few months The Network coordinators have been in conversation with

residents about issues affecting their lives, as well as about their connection and love for the area where they live. Residents highlighted problems such as the lack of affordable housing in the area, limited services for young people, drugs use and dealing especially in parks, road safety, parking and traffic problems, as well as litter and graffiti. Residents also said that their neighbourhoods are changing and pointed to the issue of gentrification in the area and how it is disadvantaging older communities in the area.

What more can be done Residents suggested that it is good to have more people involved and to get together to work on these issues collectively. The Network works with

Please get in touch if the issues affect you or if you would like to get involved in developing solutions. Contact Saed at saedm@ thenetworkbristol.org.uk or on 07955 168 782.

Park pop-up in St Pauls Gardens

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COMMUNITY NEWS St Pauls Afro Caribbean Carnival’s Wrap Up! Written by //Kabbo Ferdinand

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ow! Yes, it happened!

The 7 July 2018, is forever etched into my mind.

It was hot, the sound systems were pumping and beautiful people were dancing, everywhere! We’ve had our party and now the hard work starts all over again.

The general feeling is that everybody’s happy Carnival is back, but not happy with how some of it unfolded. Some people felt they were not kept up to date, whilst others accepted that they need to get more involved. The main issues being; a) lack of Afro Caribbean representation, b) poor communication between the St Pauls Carnival CIC and community, and c) the children’s organisation on the day.

There were quite a few strong sentiments shared at a recent public screening of a 50th Anniversary documentary, which I unfortunately missed. I bumped into to Ms Naomi Davis, a member of the operations team and thought it wise to ask her a few questions.

Please, introduce yourself!

Hi, I am the former Community Liaison Officer of St Pauls Carnival CIC Bristol.

Former? Care to elaborate or pass?

I received my notice the day after I went on holiday. It’s as straight forward as that. I don’t really have a reason why?

Last question related to this. Do you still want to continue working alongside the board and Carnival?

I always have, irrespective of that paid position or my disappointment at how its been handled and why I was dismissed. That’s what I need to clarify. I’ve always been involved with St Pauls Carnival, so that dedication will always be there. There are lots of things I do outside that job that will allow me to engage in future. So yes. I’m

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Photo by Chrissie Quinnell, taken as part of St Pauls Darkroom over 50’s photography group passionate about our history, culture and legacy. Me, not working for the company does not change the love and support I have for Carnival.

What was good?

We had a fantastic in house operational team, comprised of some very experienced people who lend their skills sets to ensure that the Carnival was safe, secure, bigger, better. Just the return of Carnival after four years, in itself, will have an impact on the next generation.

It’s about legacy setting, it’s not about us, it’s about empowering the next generation of leaders to step forward. The sound systems, local artists, etc. and actually bumping into people you have not seen for a while. These were some of the best things for me.

What could be done better?

I’m going to be very vocal on this, community engagement! What we need to remember is the ethos of an Afro Caribbean Carnival is to promote African Caribbean culture, history, food, legacy and everything else. What I don’t want to see is this dilution of our culture to fit in

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with everybody else. As an African Caribbean event, with so many islands and such a large continent, we have so much to showcase.

This must be its main priority. It’s an open door policy there is no exclusion on who can attend, but as one opportunity to build capacity within Bristol with costume design, drummers, stall holders, people with traditional skill sets that are dying out, this should be an avenue for them to express themselves.

Any closing words?

I would like to see more inclusion of African Caribbean culture. Yes, we could have done better, but at the same time the community needs to take responsibility and step up. I saw people who have been moaning all year, having a great time. This is a 50 year old event, the board don’t need to reinvent the wheel, they have everything they need in Bristol.

They need to call on these Carnival experienced people to deliver the event, or risk alienating everybody further. Truthfully, this is the only way to reestablishing, reclaim and grow our beloved Carnival and put our children first.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Over 50’s Photography Group -Taking photos at Carnival!

Written by Ruth Jacobs

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group of Over 50’s, mainly from St Pauls and St Werburghs got together over June and July for a series of Photography Taster Sessions, followed by a 4 week Photography Course based at the Community Darkrooms at St Pauls Learning Centre, all provided free of charge thanks to support from Bristol City Council.

The group went from strength to strength, and with help from Judith Davis (Liverty Housing and Bristol Ageing Better) attracted 12 participants and 2 volunteers, led by Ruth Jacobs and Justin Quinnell from the Real Photography Company. In the taster sessions, participants had fun making photograms and taking photos using pinhole cameras made from beer cans!

We talked to the group about what they wanted to photograph and they loved the idea of taking photos at St Pauls Carnival in July so we gave everyone easy to use disposable cameras loaded with black and white film. We looked at images of Carnival in previous years, including the very first Carnival, to get inspiration, then we talked through some ideas of what people might want to photograph during the day – procession, musicians, stalls, street art, family and friends enjoying the day, and so on.

Are you p art of a lo cal organisati on, group or project? G et in touc h to get you r published stories in the nex t issue of V ocalise!

darkness! Then we made contact sheets and black and white prints in the darkrooms using the enlargers and chemistry which participants found very rewarding.

In October we will be ready to show some beautiful black and white prints of Carnival made by the Over 50’s Photography Group. These will be exhibited at the Learning Centre Café and on the outside walls – watch out for this!

Photo by Dennison Joseph, taken as part of St Pauls Darkroom over 50’s photography group

In the sessions following Carnival we developed films, which came out brilliantly – it was an exciting part of the course for participants to load film into special tanks in complete

Photo by Linda McGlew, taken as part of St Pauls Darkroom over 50’s photography group Join in the conversation on Twitter and Facebook @VocaliseBristol

12

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Thoughts from an Oldie

We are always looking for local writers. Voices old, young and inbetween please get in touch!

Written by Hilary Finch

M

ental health can be fragile and those with problems often do not recognize their symptoms or have to wait too long for help if any is offered at all. This leaves people vulnerable.

I lost my oldest grandson recently to depression and anxiety. As a family we knew he had problems, but had no idea he would take it to the limit and hang himself. He was 19 years old and the day before he took his life he seemed upbeat about new prospects. During carnival he was a real part of events and appeared to be so happy but despite this it was soon after he decided the world was not for him.

“Please listen to and hug your kids”

Please listen to and hug your kids – loving and understanding them is so much more important than buying into the latest craze. Create trust between yourselves so that talking is easier between age groups. Build confidence, give encouragement and praise for achievements.

These all go a long way to good communication and might make the difference between really knowing your child, friend or relative.

During these times of local and national cut backs we need to be ever vigilant and caring towards those less fortunate and the vulnerable. The homeless need places to wash and use toilets, consider them when community facilities are open. They have every right to use these places. As I write this there are no local cafes or restaurants on the lists offering these services to people other than their customers. I have witnessed some very negative attitudes to street people seeking a chance to wash themselves and maintain some dignity.

When I first arrived in Bristol in the mid 60’s with no money I was looked after by a few old alcoholics squatting in the Georgian houses due to be demolished where the BRI Children’s Hospital now stands.

They showed me where to get a cup of tea and the baths and toilets on the Centre. None of these bathing facilities exist now, even public toilets are becoming rare. And yes, squatting was possible then so I never had to spend a night on the street.

Over 50s activities Cooking sessions FREE - St Werburghs City Farm, 0117 908 0798 Reading group Every Monday 2:00 - 3:00 pm FREE - St Pauls Learning Centre, 0117 914 5470 Art and Craft group Every Tuesday 2:30 – 4:30 pm FREE - St Pauls Learning Centre, 077921387038 Easy-PC computer class Every Tuesday 10:30 – 4:30 pm FREE - St Werburghs Community Centre, 0117 955 1351 Tai Chi Every Friday 2:00 - 3:00 pm £3 - St Werburghs Community Centre, 0117 955 1351 More on activities on Facebook at Young at Hearts - Bristol Email Community Empowerment Officer Judith.Davis@liverty.com for more activities, updates and trips and christmas events.

Vulnerable: capable of being physically or mentally hurt; open to criticism or censure; open to attack or damage; assailable.

Penguin English Dictionary.

13

Can you help deliver this magazine around Ashley? Please get in touch at info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk

COMMUNITY NEWS

Being Black History - Mr Roy Hackett at 90 Written by Rob Mitchell

‘A

re you sitting comfortable? ...Now I’ll start.’ is how Roy Hackett begins his talk to Year 6 pupils at Glenfrome primary school in 2015, at 86 years old.

This slightly-built man has a made a big impact in the city and is still busy with community activities in St Werburghs. Light and speedy of mind and body, it seems Mr Hackett’s health has been held together by getting involved, a spirit of lightness and a love of telling stories.

“They formed an association to strengthen their voice” Roy was born in St Mary, Jamaica on 18th September 1928. ‘I was the first child of my mother and father and I was brought up by my grandmother’. Her teaching propelled him to a class ahead of his years, where he fought to remain with the older children. ‘I am here to stay in 3rd class and went and sat down...I was very cheeky and I’m still cheeky’ he admits.

Glenfrome’s Year 6 pupils are interested in why he ran away from home, on Good Friday 1944.

For links and references from this article see the Vocalise website.

His father put him to work on his tobacco farm while he preferred to stay in school. His father was not budging. Roy ran. The children ask questions, he answers with their names. He is conscious to translate the occasional Jamaican or older English phrases for his audience.

‘My favourite subject?…You call it maths, we called it arithmetic’. ’I came to England 13th August 1952 and it was a Sunday…and now you are on the subject I might go on a bit if you want me to’. The youngsters hear about ‘No Dogs, No Irish, No Gypsy, No Blacks’ on Ashley Road. They hear how his work ethic, advanced bookkeeping and characteristic cheekiness enabled him to be a foreman, over fifty-one white workers at St Ann’s Board Mill.

One pupil in the class identifies herself as the granddaughter of Owen Henry. ‘Well, Well, well’ he sighs profoundly. ‘Owen Henry and I was born in the same St Mary.

Owen Henry and I did the bus crisis.

I am thirteen days older than your grandad but he died when he was 62. Bless his soul. He and I started an association in 1962. It was known as CCC, Commonwealth Coordinated Committee.’

Photo by Sandra Gordon from Roy’s community organised 90th birthday party.

Photo from bristolarchiverecords.com/ people/people_Roy_Hackett.html In 1968 they started St Pauls ”Festival” to thank the community who opened their hearts to them in Bristol. The Jamaican-inspired ‘junkanoo’ or masquerade was achieved with local donations and ran for 16 days.

The CCC was a response by citizens in St Pauls to people dumping rubbish there, which attracted ‘rats as big as cats’. The council would not listen to them so they formed an association to strengthen their voice.

Owen Henry was Chairperson, Roy the Vice-Chair and Paul Stephenson, its President.

The Glenfrome children pay attention for an hour in this rare living history class from their community. ‘I came to better myself’, Roy concludes ‘I made university here in England by seeing, recording and acting in things that makes me a better person today’

Empowered by each other, the CCC also fought other issues. In Mr Drummond’s cafe, they drank fish tea, had ‘rum talk’ and inspired each other. ‘We use it also to do the bus crisis…well it wasn’t a crisis, it was just a misunderstanding.’ he reflects on the boycott of 1963.

The CCC evolved into the West Indian Parents and Friends association, convening monthly at St Werburghs Community Centre since the 60s. Sadly, it is likely to close this year. The main question for ‘West Indians’ now is, where can they go today make their voice stronger?

Join in the conversation on Twitter and Facebook @VocaliseBristol

14

WHAT’S ON

Events in Ashley!

Christmas events in Ashley will be on the vocalise website.

Vocalisemagazine.org.uk/events

October 19th - November 4th Artivist in a Straw Box An interactive public exhibition about housing, homelessness and sustainability. Part of Bristol’s Housing Festival on Bristol’s harbourside.

Logo designed by Elemental

YO Youth Opportunities Arts Festival!

15th November 5:00 - 8:00pm (stalls and workshops) 8:00pm - late (after party) Paper Arts, Diverse Artists Network (DAN) and Docklands Youth Centre are hosting the event. If you want to be involved in volunteering, supporting or performing on the day get in touch with Vandna at vandna@triboofdoris.co.uk or Grace at grace@paperarts.org.uk.

St Pauls Library at St Pauls Learning Centre

St Pauls Carnival Photography Exhibition October Onwards Photos of St Pauls Carnival made by the Over 50’s Photography Group exhibited in St Pauls Learning Centre Café and outside.

Bristol Refugee Rights Photography Course Taster Session, Thursday 11th October 2:00-4:00pm 4 week course starts Thursday 18th October 2:00-4.30pm Black and White Photography for Refugees and Asylum Seekers. All free, materials and equipment provided, no experience necessary, to book your place please email stpaulsdarkrooms@gmail.com Supported Darkroom Sessions Thursday 1st November 6:00-8.30pm Thursday 6th December 6:00-8.30pm Come along to St Pauls Darkrooms for guidance and advice on any aspect of black and white processing and printing. £25.00 per person including paper and chemistry. Booking via eventbrite or stpaulsdarkrooms@gmail.com

Redland Library Events

by Friends of Redland Library Tuesday 16th October Desert Island Books – Books & the Sea Thursday 1st November Desert Island Books – Books & the City Thursday 6th December Desert Island Books – Books & Europe

15

Opening hours: Mon 1-5 Tue 1-5 Wed 10-2 Thur 1-5 Fri Closed Sat 10-5

Shared Reading Every Monday 2.00-3.30pm Why not come along and join our friendly and inclusive group if you would like to improve your reading skills or enjoy reading as part of a wider group a warm welcome awaits.

Baby Bounce and Rhyme session Every Tuesday 2:00-2.30pm Ensures your baby gets the best possible introduction to books and is a great way to meet other mums and baby’s too. For everyone from pregnancy to pre-school we look forward to sharing songs and stories with you.

African-Caribbean Mens ‘Wholistic’ Health Self-help Group Every 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sunday 2:00-8:00pm At Malcolm X Community Centre, 141 City Road, St Pauls BS2 8UH. Coordinator Okera Stevenson can be reached via 07729888031 or okera.stevenson@yahoo.com.

Amazing Autumn Art & Craft Activity and Storytime. October half term Wednesday 24th 11.00-11.45am 10 yrs and under. Please book in the library or calling 0117 9145489.

WWI Remembrance Display Mid November Please visit and let us know your families stories and history within the context of WWI any local history will be very much appreciated.

Special Christmas story time Tuesday 4th December from 3.30pm Come and help make and put decorations on our very special Community Christmas Tree.

Please come into the library to see our range of additional events and activities.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Kind wishes Shulah and the team.

For Bristol’s Black His tory Month events in October, find out more on facebook.

Bristol Bike Project events to celebrate 10 years. All events are FREE and are at Hamilton House, 7 City Road BS2 8TN. Get in touch for more information at hello@thebristolbikeproject.org / 01179421794

BBP Bike Kitchen 10th Birthday Special Friday 9th November 6:00-9.30pm If you’ve never been to our Bike Kitchen before, why not head down for our one-off Friday night birthday special - A DIY workshop for mechanics to get your trusty steed in tip top condition, with all the tools and space you need!

Exhibition: The Bristol Bike Project is 10!

An exhibition all about BBP, from birth to present day. November.

9:00-8.30pm during the week, 9:00-4.30pm Saturday and Sunday Thursday 8th - Wednesday 14th Exhibition Space on the first floor, Hamilton House.

BBP 10th Birthday Cycle Ride Sunday 11 November from 10am Join us for a short cycle ride for all abilities - colourful attire and silly bikes are encouraged!

BBP, Hamilton House

BBP 10th Birthday Party!

Thursday 8th November from 5.30pm Join us to celebrate our birthday at our exhibition opening night.

Exhibition Space on the first floor, Hamilton House.

BBP Women’s Night 10th Birthday Special Monday 12th November 6:00-9:00pm Come on down for our Women’s Night 10th birthday special, an open workshop session for women to fix your own bikes and share skills in a friendly, informal atmosphere.

St Pauls Adventure Playground

Brunswick Club Benefit Extravaganza!

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

Saturday 10th November 12 Noon-Late

Open Thursdays 3.15-6.15pm, Fridays 3.15-6.15pm and Saturdays 1.00-5.00pm

The Brunswick Club, 15-15 Brunswick Square, BS2 8NX

The Children’s Bicycle Exchange Scheme is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10.00-6.00pm offering the best value in children’s bikes and we sell and service adults bikes too.

A celebration of all we have done and all we will do. All funds raised will support the future of The Brunswick Club CIC and it’s continued commitment to DIY, artistled activity in Bristol and beyond. Details and tickets at brunswickclub.org.uk

Join in the conversation on Twitter and Facebook @VocaliseBristol 16

YOUTH VOICE

Opinion: The negative stigma surrounding UK rap music Written by Arthur

I

n my opinion, there’s a lot of ignorance surrounding UK rap music. The majority of people seem to be all too quick to judge an artist’s character based on the things that they rap about.

Some would argue that certain rappers deserve such treatment due to their criminal records.

However, if they didn’t have good intentions for the future they wouldn’t be making music. UK rap is becoming popular on a global scale, which is increasing the opportunities for young people to express themselves and make money whilst doing so. Surely this is a positive point which cannot be negated by any opposing argument?

A lot of this music is based on experiences, thoughts, feelings and

son cal young per Arthur is a lo calise o V in touch with ua who has got yo re r opinion. A to to share thei ry o st n who has a young perso e? ar ion to sh tell or an opin to contribute ch u to Please get in sue at in the next is to this page rg.uk. o semagazine. info@vocali

messages which the artists want to convey.

This music and the attention it’s getting is opening up a pathway for young people to create a career and a better lifestyle doing something that they enjoy.

Numerous UK artists are signing record deals worth thousands, for a young person coming from poverty this career in music is life changing.

This is why it’s important to get rid of this negative stigma around UK rap, as police continue to ban artists from making music (which is ridiculous) they are ignoring the fact that music was what was feeding their families and paying their bills. Jobs are hard enough to get with a criminal record as it is, so when someone is making money from their talents and all of a sudden they are stopped, it causes significant problems.

After asking ‘Termz’ a popular rapper from St Pauls how he thinks the younger generations are affected he responded, “I personally think that ‘UK drill’ is weird because the same rappers that young people idolise are liars and not doing what

Fairfield High School The sheer quantity of opportunities FHS provided to progress & improve our passions and interests is unbelievable - Alex (student)

they’re rapping about. So the young people will go and commit crimes because they think that’s what the rappers are doing. But in reality if everyone was doing what they are rapping about, they wouldn’t be rapping. They would be in jail. At the same time, as an artist myself I just rap my own reality. So if someone were to be influenced by my music, it’s not really my fault as I’m telling my story and rapping what I know about.” Which he then followed up with, “I do not believe all rappers are liars, but the majority are. I’d say about 90%.”

This is controversial but I mostly agree. Undoubtedly, for entertainment purposes, I think that a lot of artists exaggerate their lifestyle.

Finally, the anthem for St Pauls carnival was created by young people and featured rapping. Now, this was for a positive purpose and all money made from it went towards funding the next carnival.

So, do these young people deserve to be tarred with the same brush as other artists with not as positive intentions just because they make music of the same genre?

OPEN MORNINGS Tuesday 2nd October Wednesday 3rd October Thursday 11th October Friday 12th October 9.15-10.30am

21 17 Get your stories heard, email us at info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk

www.fairfield.bristol.sch.uk

COMMUNITY NEWS

Local young artists helped by

P

aper Arts work with local young artists and run free youth programmes, check out the flyer on the left or visit www.paperarts.org.uk for more information.

One of the local young artists Paper Arts has been working is Piffy, who is an urban graphic artist and textile print designer. Using a range of media and techniques, in combination with digital editing software, she creates her own recognisable style. Whilst focusing predominantly on her clothing label, she also works freelance as a painter & graphic designer. Her art expresses an appreciation for symbiosis and often described as ‘Mayan.’ By applying a passion for metaphysics with a love of texture she adds dimension to her work; drawing inspiration from colours, camouflages & aposematisms from the most peculiar flora and fauna, she turns the body to a canvas to adorn her eccentric yet very wearable clothing.

YO Youth Opportunities Arts Festival!

Paper Arts, Diverse Artists Network (DAN) and Docklands Youth Centre are hosting the event. See page 15 for more information.

You can find Piffy’s luxurious garments online at www.iampiffy.com

Podcasting Workshop for 17-25 year olds Saturday 13th October Learn how to make a podcast in a day! Beginners welcome.

The podcasting workshop will be a hands-on day of making, learning and listening.

For 17-25 year olds. Participants will: • Learn recording and interview skills.

• Practise editing and mixing audio.

• Learn where to publish and promote your creations.

• Take your own podcast away with you at the end of the day.

“It is the versatility of fabric that allows me to share my creativity.

The process out lives my own self expression; it is passed on to the next and continues through movement and flow.” has produced podcasts and radio programmes for BBC Radio 4, 1Xtra, the National Portrait Gallery, Crack Magazine, Monocle, ABC Radio & more.

This workshop requires your own laptop. £10 + booking fee Please email beefbristol@gmail.com for details.

The workshop is led by BEEF (Bristol Experimental Expanded Film) member Eliza Lomas who Join in the conversation on Twitter and Facebook @VocaliseBristol 18

COMMUNITY NEWS

Course for young refugees

raises money for Docklands Written by Jane Franklin, Training Manager at Himilo Training

We were lucky to be able to hire the youth centre at Docklands for the whole week of the course; a fantastic space which afforded us room to deliver training, to move about during activities, and kitchen facilities where learners could authentically practise customer service and hospitality skills.

This was our second training session at Docklands. The first was a pilot project, which you may have recently spotted on ITV West Country news,

where they highlighted the incredible journey that one refugee took from Afghanistan, and his successes in training since settling in Bristol.

Learners participating on the course could all relate to a refugee journey, whether personally or through close family experiences. They came together to learn and develop their skills for work, whilst preparing for college and setting career goals, and all were keen to give back to their community. Learners were diverse; many spoke at least two languages, all were under 20 years old, some had work experience, many not, some confident, some not so much. But by the course end they all worked together as an exceptional team to pull off a Coffee Morning. This raised more than £70 for Docklands, rocketing their confidence and demonstrating how far they’d come not least in building communication, social and team skills.

Children’s Art dden ny hi you a m How ins can k zine? pump the maga n find i r below) e s (An w

Send us your chil d’s art and be in for a cha nce to win a Vocalise t-shirt (child siz e) printed in if the art is the next issue!

Please reuse this magazine. Share it, collage it, recycle it!

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The following week the learners networked with visiting support groups including Babbasa, Catch 22, Boston Tea Party, Square Food Foundation and a volunteer from Macmillan. They shared a newfound boldness that I hope will continue to lead them forward towards the engineering, care and sporting future roles they aim for. The ‘youth of today’ don’t always get their positive stories told and I encourage anyone working with young people to advertise their achievements at any given opportunity.

It can surely only lead to positive things!

For the latest local news and updates go online at vocalisemagazine.org.uk

Thank you Children’s Scrapstore for sending Vocalise fun photos from your art and play sessions!

Answer: 12

E

arlier this month I had the pleasure of leading a course supporting young people, in partnership with UK Youth and Starbucks. As Training Manager with Himilo, the fast-growing training arm of ACH, I don’t often get time to lead an entire course.

This exception was a challenge I welcomed; supporting a group of young people to develop hospitality skills and, more importantly, grow in confidence and self-esteem.

I learned a lot from this group, who dressed smarter than I have for many interviews when they attended practise sessions with Starbucks the following week! This saw a number of the group invited to apply to interview for advertised roles. They reminded me what can be achieved if you take the chance to come out of your comfort zone and work well with people you learn to trust.

Halloween costume making with

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY

reused materials 8-Legged Spider Costume You will need: An old pair of black tights; material scraps for stuffing, black wool, a square of cardboard (from a cereal box or similar), safety pins, staples and a staples gun OR a needle and thread.

1. Firstly, stuff half of one leg of the pair of tights till it is quite stiff.

Then, tie string around the middle and cut it off. Repeat with the other leg. (No! Not your own leg!)

2. Stuff the two legs sticking out from the body of the tights and tie off.

3. Insert card into the body of the tights. Pad if necessary to make it a snug fit.

Skeleton Ghoul Costume You will need: Two cardboard boxes.

One to fit over the wearer’s face, and one large enough to fit over their body. A glue stick, some scissors, a pencil and rubber, a black marker pen, white paper, and a black bin liner.

1. Cover the smaller box in white paper, using a Glue stick and scissors.

2. Roughly draw the outline of a face in pencil on a new sheet, notice how far apart the eyes are, as the wearer will need to look through! When happy with it, go over the lines in thick black felt pen.

3. Glue face sheet onto the front of the box. Using scissors, cut out slits in the eyes for the wearer to be able to see through.

4. Now for the ghoulish body! Cover the remaining box in black bin-liner using a glue stick and scissors.

5. Cut out a hole in the top of the box large enough to slip over the

4. Staple/sew “leg” number three onto the body of the tights, just below the elastic waistband. Repeat on the other side, so that there is now a ‘leg’ in each corner.

5. Fold the waistband over and staple/sew the gap shut once the legs are in place.

6. Tie string to the ends of the “legs”, long enough to be looped over the wearer’s wrists.

7. At this point the wearer is ready to put on a black trousers/leggings and long-sleeved top!

8. Using safety pins, pin the cardboard supported part of the costume to the back of the wearer’s t-shirt.

9. Send the wearer off to see if they can catch some flies!

wearer’s head. Following this, cut wedges in the two sides so that the box rests on their shoulders and they can move their arms.

6. Stick a strip of white paper vertically down the centre of the large box. Then, coming off of it, stick three smaller strips of paper, one a diagonal. Repeat on the other side.

7. Pair with a white armed top and scare the neighbours!

Nb: If you don’t have paper, you could paint the boxes, and begin a day earlier so that it has time to dry.

The skeleton ribcage could be made using strips of masking tape. If you don’t have black bin liners at home, you could use some black gaffer tape instead.

October 30th and 31st, 5-8pm We’ll be spooky-ing up our corridors for a two-day Halloween Takeover – a trick or treat trail filled with family friendly frights, seasonal crafts and games. £6 per child.

Free October half-term session!

Wednesday 31st, 1.45-3.45pm We’ll be using pop-up paper engineering trickery to create 3D scenes and dioramas, perhaps with a spooky character or two!

This is a free (BYCA-funded) session for children aged 8 and above. It is an independent play session, so adults can drop children off and pick up at the end.

Booking essential. Book online: www.childrensscrapstore.simplybook.it

Join in the conversation on Twitter and Facebook @VocaliseBristol

20

ENVIRONMENT

REPLICATE: Bristol’s Clean,

Green Energy Saving Initiative Written by //Kabbo Ferdinand (REPLICATE Energy Champion and Director at Vocalise Magazine) and David Tudgey (Project Development Officer Bristol Energy Network)

C

ultural diversity is fundamental in successfully implementing this project, and we have ensured that our team of champions is as representative of our diverse communities. Bristol Black Carers is also one of the projects community partners, made up of elders, is a welcome addition.

We actively discuss our individual motives for participating in the project and the one tying thread for all is the desire to reduce our carbon footprint on the earth, starting in Bristol. This depth has ensured that we’ve found effective and innovative ways to reaches as many residents in the project area as possible.

Our training has taken place at the Create Centre and Eco Home near Cumberland Basin and attending events around Ashley, Easton and Lawrence Hill. We’ve also been involved in co-designing workshops to inform the design of the ‘Future Home’, an interactive mobile home

pulled by an electric bike which lets people explore the future of energy and technology. We have also cocreated marketing materials to get people engaged, so that they can take action for themselves.

“We want there to be a legacy of knowledge” We want there to be a legacy of knowledge and resilience in the community to tackle both fuel poverty and climate change. A great result from this has been collaborating with the St Paul’s adventure playground APE project to get funding via Bristol Community Energy Fund (BCEF) to offer free solar panel workshops with Demand Energy Equality and also The C.H.E.E.S.E project offering free thermal imaging home energy surveys to low income households.

This project is supported by the European Union’s Horizon programme. If you would like to get involved:

• See if you’re eligible to take

• •

part in the REPLICATE Project and to get a free appliance: 0117 3521180, replicate@ warmupbristol.co.uk, www. connectingbristol.org/ replicate/ Have a C.H.E.E.S.E survey www.cheeseproject.co.uk Become an energy champion, taking part in a solar panel workshop or events training, or become a C.H.E.E.S.E surveyor: projects@ bristolenergynetwork.org or call Dave on 07846 057470

I am //Kabbo and I am a REPLICATE Energy Champion.

Get involved and let’s turn Bristol into a clean, green City for All!

Thank you Quartet Community Please reuse this magazine. Share it, collage it, recycle it!

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Foundation for supporting these Environment pages!

Do you want to help make this magazine? Let us know at info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk. No experience needed!

ENVIRONMENT

Autumn Energy Saving Tips Written by energy advisor and St Pauls resident Mrs Flowers

A

fter such a warm and sunny summer, it breaks my heart to say that Autumn is around the corner. To help you stay warm this Autumn, here are some quick, easy and cheap ways to help battle the cold weather.

Close your curtains – Depending on the type of windows in your home, you could be losing heat through them. By closing your curtains before it gets dark, you will be able to keep all the heat indoors. If you want to go a step further, purchasing thermal curtains (or thick lined curtains) is another way to keep warm as thicker curtains make it more difficult for the heat to escape.

1.

Draught-proof your home – Try and seal those little gaps and corners around your home that are allowing heat to escape.

Quick solutions include: insulation tape, under door pillows and even a cover on the inside of your letterbox to prevent any draughts from coming through.

2.

3.

Rugs are your best friends – Rugs can act as a cozy and warm barrier between your feet and the cool hardwood floors.

Get your boiler serviced To ensure your boiler is in the best working condition to keep you warm, it is best to get it serviced annually.

4.

Leave the oven open after using it – Don’t let the heat from your oven go to waste!

If safe, leave your oven door open to allow heat to warm the kitchen.

5.

6.

Don’t block your radiators – Move your sofas from in front of the radiator.

Have any questions about how you can make your lifestyle more sustainable? Mrs Flowers, our resident sustainability guru, will provide you with advice in the next issue. Send questions to info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk

?

The Bearpit Edible Garden Written by Thomas Katan

B

uilding a garden to bring the community together is the purpose of the edible garden in the Bear Pit. Sara Venn, founder of Incredible Edible Bristol, calmly explains their project, their goals and their struggles while standing in the green space.

“It’s a way to empower people” “Coming here to pick a strawberry is possibly the biggest political movement you could make” says Sara. It’s a way to empower people to do something with their fiddling minds, to bond with new people and an opportunity to co-create a space to be in. All of which are run and funded by the community without the need to wait for the Council’s intervention, despite the desperate need for financial support.

There are 43 other edible garden spread across Bristol, to prove that an urban, eco-friendly, environmentally thought garden is possible and can be created on a small budget. There is a lack of trust between communities and the Bristol City Council which seems to be a common problem expressed by many frustrated communities around Bristol.

“We are here to start a new conversation […], to show that this is possible” says Sara with a warm smile. She, as other community oriented groups, have noticed the lack of integration between city planning with local community planning suggesting that “we need a co-productive city planning where everybody gets a say”.

bear pit, which sits on the opposite side of the garden by the bus.

To find out more visit www.ediblebristol.org.uk

Photo: Sara Venn founder of Incredible Edible Bristol

The space is always looking to volunteers. Today Hanna is helping to water the garden by carrying 4 watering cans in a wheelbarrow from the only water source in the

Can you help deliver the magazine? Let us know at info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk

22

WELLBEING

Opinion: Looking at Mental Health Service Provision from an unusual angle Written by Jimmy Taylor

W

e are all aware that there seems to be an ever growing number of people who are living with mental health issues and who are in need of support from the mental health services who are called on to respond to emergency situations and to get people into the places of safety.

When this happens there are people who are intimately connected to the patient who are rarely given much thought in the decisions that are taken. The family members and especially the mothers of the affected individuals are placed in the heartbreaking situation of being the people who know the patient the best; at the same time being unable to manage the situation or to communicate the needs of the patient to a support service which will deal with the situation in the way that they have been trained to.

Discussions with some of these mothers indicate the frustration that appears to kick in as the patient in the family grows through adolescence and into maturity, when the quirky behaviour of the cute young child is overnight replaced by the confused outbursts of emotion that is displayed. If this is not controlled it can lead to the harming of the patient or others.

Talking with parents of people with mental illness concerns got me to realise that there are many situations where their potential input is ignored and where they are unable to be the parent that they know that their children desperately need in moments of distress. I am told that at 18 years of age the actions of the support services immediately shut the parents out of the support process. Young people who are living away from home during situations of crisis will be handled by the state and this can mean that an individual can be hospitalised for up to six weeks without the family being informed of where they are or any plans for extended care.

When children are young, the parents are called on to be part of the treatment programme and the suggestions that they offer and even the methods that they use to reduce the confusion - this all disappears at the time when the parents think is most needed, as the child moves towards maturity they grow physically and the risk that they can cause to those around them also grows. In these circumstances the reactions of the support services relate to the situation that they find when they arrive at the scene of an incident - this means that Illustration by local artist Matilde Battisti. Find her on instagram @mafalda.wallace or get in touch through email matibattisti@gmail.com

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Get your stories heard, email us at info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk

they may be called on to restrain an individual and to medicate patients in order to return them to what is considered normality. The danger is that this medication has the potential of leaving the patient permanently damaged and for too many parents, the realisation that this has happened comes only when their loved one is released from psychological care services.

“the cycle of crisis�

The nature of mental health care is that it seems to be designed to address the present condition rather than seeking to effect a permanent cure, this means that for many families, the cycle of crisis, sectioning, medication and release becomes a cycle that dictates the life of the individual and by definition the family.

There are support services that exist for people affected by the pressures of the mental health services and these include the specialist charity 2-Way-Street who are an organisation that works to create a space for the family in the ongoing care plan for the patient, one that includes the option of engaging distressed individuals with culturally appropriate support that could be used before the restraining and medicating action could be taken. There are a number of psychologically trained professionals from a range of backgrounds who could be employed as part of the first response team and there are groups like the Afrikan Caribbean Men’s Wholistic Health Group who offer a Sunday social club at Malcolm X (page 15 for more information) that welcomes men from this background, including those who are living with the issues generated by mental illness.

There are of course concerns about the communication that surround mental health care and the need to build effective and supportive networks around people with mental health issues will be vital in changing and improving the outcomes for patients and maximising the use of resources directed at mental health in Bristol.

WELLBEING

Autumn: The Season of the Metal Element Written by Catherine Carter

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fter an amazing Summer, the hot Yang energy is now beginning to transform into the cooler more Yin energy of Autumn. Whilst this change of season can offer a respite from the liveliness of Summer, it can also feel a bit gloomy. What was expansive and energetic starts to become more introspective and still.

Yin Yang and Five Element Theory are fundamental to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The Five Elements (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, Wood) can help us understand how living in tune with the seasons, rather than against them, can keep us well and happy throughout the year. We can look to our external environment for clues: seasonal foods, trees letting go of their leaves and cool, fresh air.

The element associated with Autumn is Metal and the organs are the Lungs and Large Intestine.

The Lungs bring in new energy and the Large Intestine lets go of what is no longer needed. The emotion associated with the Lungs is grief.

An imbalance of Lung energy can make it difficult to process feelings of sadness and can present as a persistent cough, loss of voice or skin conditions.

easily, you will feel open and resilient, grief will have softened and you will be ready to slow down and enjoy a sense of peace as we move into Winter.

Metal can be harmonised by strengthening the Lung Qi (Lung energy). This can be done with acupuncture, but there are also some things you can do yourself: • Nourish Earth by eating warm, cooked foods (stews and soups), this will help to generate Metal energy and start building up the warmth needed for Winter • Drink room temperature water at regular intervals to keep the Lungs moist • Breathe in the crisp, cool air; breathe out old negative thoughts • Take some time to let go of any sadness or grief that you might be holding on to with talking therapies, such as counselling, or meditation

“Make time to see friends” • Make time to see friends, even if it’s grey outside • Start to slow down your pace of life and preserve some energy for yourself And remember…if you need to wear a jumper, it’s too cold for salad!

Acupuncture is a complementary, holistic medicine that can be used alongside other methods of treatment. Please contact your GP if you have any persistent Lung symptoms.

Catherine is an Acupuncturist and Naturopath who lives in St Werburghs. For more information visit www.ccarteracupuncture.com Illustration by local animator and designer Pedro Bento. Contact pedrobento@gmx.com

“Autumn is the perfect time to reassess” Autumn is the perfect time to reassess, without self-criticism, who you are and how you can really bloom when Spring comes. Take some time for yourself to reflect on all you’ve experienced during the year so far, what will carry you through Winter and what needs to be let go of.

When your Metal element is in balance, you will be able to breathe If you live locally and have something to say, get in touch at info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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Struggling with debts, rent arrears or Council Tax? Creditors chasing you? Bailiffs worrying you?

Difficulty with budgeting?

Not sure where to turn? Talk to us!

They disputed my tax credit overpayment - and secured back payments too.

They helped me write off my debts with a Debt Relief Order.

They found schemes to reduce my utility bills.

They stopped the bailiffs taking my posessions.

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Unpaid bills, credit cards, council tax and rent arrears, benefits overpayments.

You name it; we have seen it and we are here to help you sort it.

St Pauls Advice Centre is a local charity and we have been helping people in the community for almost 50 years. We have helped your friends and neighbours with free, confidential advice and we will help you too.

Call us on 0117 955 2981 Email enquiries@stpaulsadvice.org.uk Drop in to 146 Grosvenor Road, St Pauls Bristol BS2 8YA

For opening hours and more, visit www.stpaulsadvice.org.uk Registered Charity No: 1083010 Company Registration No: 03920535

Join in the conversation on Twitter and Facebook @VocaliseBristol

POLICE UPDATE

New Neighbourhood Sergeant!

Written by Sergeant Tom Tooth

I

am delighted to be writing my first column here in Vocalise as your new Neighbourhood Sergeant. Mark Aston has been promoted and has moved onto pastures new and I now have the honour of serving the communities of St Pauls, St Werburghs and Montpelier, helping to lead the local beat team in solving local problems and keeping you safe.

I have been a police officer for five years and have spent my entire career to date working in Bristol.

I have spent time as a response officer, have worked in the CID and was working in St Pauls when I was promoted to sergeant. So I feel like I know the Ashley ward area well and understand the issues which affect the local communities here.

“improving the channels of communication between us and you” One of my first priorities will be to meet as many people as I can, improving the channels of communication between us and you, so that we can work together to address local problems.

27

One of the main issues I will be looking to tackle is the open drugs market and the appalling exploitation of young people that goes with it. Regular readers of this magazine and followers of Avon and Somerset Police’s social media channels will be familiar with our operational updates on how we are working alongside local people to reduce the harm caused by drugs in our communities. This operation, which was featured in the recent BBC series Drugsland, has been running for almost three years now, which shows that we are in this for the long term.

However, we do rely on the support of local people for this operation to be meaningful and I am keen to hear from anyone in the community with an opinion on how we can best tackle the open drugs market, as well as from anyone who can help us to do this. Please feel free to email me at thomas.tooth@ avonandsomerset.police.uk I am aware that there has been an increase in anti-social behaviour and littering in the open spaces across our neighbourhood recently, no doubt as a result from the fantastic weather and increased number of people in the area over the summer holidays. This is especially true in Brunswick Cemetery where we are looking to work in partnership with Bristol City Council, local businesses and residents to help us to maintain a clean and safe environment for everyone. We will be altering our patrol plans to cover these areas more frequently and I hope you will notice an increased police presence here, to deal positively with local people’s concerns.

I cannot let this issue go by without talking about how wonderful this summer’s Carnival was. We worked extremely hard with the Carnival Committee and Bristol City Council to ensure the event was happy and family friendly – a legacy event

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where the public were kept safe and public order was maintained and I think it is fair to say this was achieved.

“I look forward to working with you in the coming weeks” It was a hot and vibrant day and with 100,000 people filing the streets, we experienced far less crime than in previous years. Many of you will no doubt be aware that there was a serious incident on Campbell Street during the evening which could have ended very differently if it hadn’t been for the support of local residents, who helped us by turning off music and television screens when asked to, and using PA / sound systems to ask people to move away and let officers through.

This support and co-operation whilst we attended to the incident was hugely appreciated and helped to ensure an injured man was conveyed to hospital as quickly as possible and that the scene of the incident was preserved. Thank you again for your support.

I look forward to working with you in the coming weeks and months and please do get in touch if you have ideas about how we can solve local problems.

Don’t forget you can follow what my team are up to on Twitter @ASPAshley.

POLITICS

Your MP: Thangam Debbonaire Written by Thangam Debbonaire

I

f you were in Bristol this summer, you cannot have missed St Paul’s Carnival. Fifty years since the event first came to our particularly lively part of Bristol, this year’s carnival was one of the best I have ever attended.

It was a great demonstration of what we can achieve if we work together.

Local councillors were instrumental in getting the project off the ground, and the whole community played a role.

In a year when the Government’s ‘hostile environment’ policies have questioned the rights of many valued citizens from the Caribbean, St Paul’s Carnival felt more important than ever. This year I have been helping several constituents who have had their lives torn apart, despite legitimately living

and working in the UK for decades.

This policy is grossly unfair and must change.

In Bristol we have a more welcoming attitude to people from other places – and the Carnival proves that.

Among other things, the Carnival is a celebration of a unique part our city. St Paul’s is a truly multicultural neighbourhood, bringing together people and cultures from across the world. It is this mix which has put Bristol on the map as the birthplace of world famous music and artistic movements.

On the morning of the carnival, I joined Ashley Labour Councillors Mike Davies and Carole Johnson at a brunch to celebrate the work of pioneering founders of this Bristol tradition. I then went on to enjoy the

parades, food, music and soak up the atmosphere.

People travelled from across Bristol and the UK to join us for the party, and everyone seemed to have a good time, as it took place without any serious incident. There are things that we can do better – I’d like us, in the BS2 community, to be able to wake up the next day without the resulting sea of litter. But overall, I’m thrilled that carnival was back. I hope that this success means it will be an annual event in the Bristol calendar!

Magistrates need Bench diversity Written by Labour Councillor Carole Johnson

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riminal justice has among the lowest proportion of senior staff from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Current research reveals that in the Avon and Somerset Magistracy we currently have a severe under representation of BAME Magistrates and Magistrates from working class backgrounds, in direct relationship to the populations that we are serving.

Analysis following a governmentcommissioned report by the Labour MP David Lammy found that people from minority backgrounds are more likely to be jailed for certain crimes than those who are white and that they are over-represented at almost all stages of the criminal justice system.

What this means is that defendants from minority communities appear more frequently than the population average while those who pass judgment on them are older and whiter than their peers. Also, ethnic minorities get tougher sentences

attributed to distrust in courts.

This disparity in the courtroom highlights the need for improvement in securing a more diverse bench reflective of the ethnic diversity of the population.

Recent cuts to the Ministry of Justice and budget and social changes appear to have had the impact of narrowing the class and professional range from which the magistracy is drawn. Cllr Johnson who is also Magistrates Deputy Bench Chairman for Avon and Somerset, was recently involved in a very successful first joint BAME Magistrates recruitment initiative which took place earlier this year between the Bristol Magistrates Bench and Bristol City Council supported by Mayor Marvin Rees and Deputy Mayor Asher Craig.

Cllr Johnson will also be looking to further improve this situation here in the South West and is currently proposing to help devise and coordinate a continued recruitment drive in search of new justices of the peace, from all ethnicities

cultures and economic backgrounds to produce a better informed and reflective criminal justice decision making body for us all.

Cllr Dr Carole Johnson JP “we need magistrates to be truly representative of the communities they serve, if trust in the criminal justice system is to be maintained.

We don’t have enough BAME magistrates, in addition to this, currently the Bench is overwhelmingly middle-class and middle-aged. We need magistrates from all backgrounds. We have healthy robust Afro Caribbean, Chinese, Somali and Eastern communities, here in Bristol, this is not reflected…yet! I want to see this change and quickly.”

We have the opportunity become cutting edge in our response. Now really is the time! If you would like to get involved or have any helpful suggestions, please contact me on Cllr.carole.johnson@bristol.gov.uk

More community news at vocalisemagazine.org.uk 28

POLITICS

Councillor updates Written by Green Councillor Jude English

I

thought it might be timely to remind folks of the regular Green councillor surgery held at St. Paul’s learning Centre on the first Friday of the month 1pm -2pm.

It’s been great to be able to meet with many of you face to face to hear about local concerns. It’s also good to be able to help where I can.

Here are a few of the issues brought to surgeries in the last months.

“threatened library closures” There was a lot of worry about the threatened library closures and

several residents came to surgery about that. Activist and councillor pressures mean there is now a pause to the closures. We do still need to start work now to keep St. Paul’s Library open after 2020. I have been talking with the library staff about groups being able to book the space outside of library opening hours and hopefully that will soon happen. This will show that the library can begin income generation and start to build the case for our much loved library to stay.

Help with a planning issue: a group of local businesses owners and residents came to surgery to ask for help with a planning issue. They were concerned about a massive

student housing block being built in Wilder street in St Paul’s. Over several months we have successfully worked together to get the planning application refused.

Another issue often brought up is graffiti and tagging. This has exploded across our area and residents are angry and frustrated.

It’s a tough one to solve as police and waste services are stretched but reporting it is key. I ask people to use the website FixMyStreet.co.uk to report graffiti as it gets complaints directed to the right council department and I can see what is being sorted and what isn’t.

Of course you can’t make a Friday you can always email me at cllr.jude. english@bristol.gov.uk or phone on 07584 151099 or write a letter to Green Group , Member services (CH) P.O. Box 3176 Bristol BS3 9FS.

Written by Labour Councillor Mike Davies

S

ometimes it’s good to get away to get some perspective on things at home. I’ve recently been on holiday, to Amsterdam in The Netherlands, and to Brisbane in Australia. Visiting these places gave me a taste of what life is like in countries that don’t have austerity, and where city councils are not starved of funding by central government.

“In Brisbane...

I saw no litter or tagging ”

In Amsterdam, I didn’t see one homeless person, and in Brisbane only a small number. In addition, I saw literally no litter or tagging in either city. In fact, in Brisbane I noticed that in the city centre the pavements are hosed down and steam cleaned every night.

It’s unfortunate but probably true 29

that most people in the UK pay council tax without feeling as though they get much in return (apart from the bins getting collected). Whereas in Brisbane I noticed public water fountains, public toilets, free wifi in the city centre, free buses and ferries in the city centre, public bike repair stations, and on Friday night the council even put on a free rock music performance in the party district. Amsterdam also had a free ferry and more public amenities than we would in the UK. It was good to see, in both cities, state-owned public transport, in a variety of forms, which complemented each other instead of competing. Both cities had cards which could be easily topped up with money to be used on buses, trains, trams, ferries, etc.

And what was especially good in Amsterdam was the high percentage of people that cycled. Everywhere was accessible by bike, with cycle lanes everywhere. The whole transport system was set up in a

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way that put cyclists, pedestrians, cars and public transport on an equal footing, instead of a situation where everything is subordinate to the needs of car drivers, and where cycling is often terrifying and impractical. Bristol has a big job to do in undoing the damage of 1960s and 70s car-centric transport planning - but it really does have to be done if we want to be a modern, functional and sustainable city.

“supporting the creative sector” I also saw in Amsterdam that the city council would acquire buildings and rent them out cheaply to artists and creatives. In Bristol we are seeing artists and creatives squeezed out

as buildings are turned over to more profitable uses such as housing and student accommodation. There must be a role for the city council in supporting the creative sector, particularly in a city such as Bristol where those activities contribute to what makes the city so appealing to move to in the first place.

The other thing I noticed in the Netherlands and Australia was that they just seemed like happier, more positive places than Britain.

Jobs

Council Contacts Austerity is a doctrine of endless misery and pessimism, which we’ve Contact Bristol City Council for endured now for eight long years with reporting abandoned vehicles, drug no end in sight. Brexit, if it happens, and sex litter, issues with roads, is sure to only make it even worse. pavements, street lighting and drains.

The UK feels like such a different country to the one I grew up in. It’s 0117 922 2100 no wonder that almost no countries customer.services@bristol.gov.uk followed our example in slashing public spending, and they’re all better and programmes that build a happy, off for it. An active state - at the local equal society. I know most people level with councils and at a national level with the government - stimulates want that and support that. We need a government which does as well. the economy and provides amenities

Did you know you can list Ashley based jobs for FREE on the Vocalise website?

Updating Community Noticeboards Vocalise Bristol CIC The noticeboards across Ashley need updating and maintaining. If you can spare a few hours a week (if that!) you can help unite the community, meet your neighbours and provide everyone Vocalise with updates and local happenings, expenses will be paid. Please get in touch with us if you think Bristol CIC you can help info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk.

Play Worker, part-time, paid role We are looking for additional sessional staff with relevant qualifications to join our team providing fun, rewarding activities for children and young people with disabilities aged 5 – 18. This opportunity is open to anyone who has an interest in working with young disabled people and is passionate about enhancing the life opportunities of people with disabilities. If interested, please contact Khaas office for job specification and application form and further information. Call us on: 0117 9554070 or email: khaas_bristol@yahoo.co.uk.

“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.”

Bob Marley 1945 - 1981

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