VOCALISE
Welcome!
Welcome to the spring edition of Vocalise, the community magazine for St. Paul’s, St. Werburgh’s St. Agnes and Montpelier.
Happy Spring everyone! We’ve been blessed with the weather in the past month with two weeks of constant sunshine, I hope you all have managed to enjoy it! Days are getting longer; Bristol is getting busier and we’re starting to hear music from everywhere. Spring and summer time are my favourite parts of the year, as everything is coming back to life. Despite some very turbulent times economically and politically, things somehow just feel different when the sun is out and vitamin D in full production. I think this edition's cover is very suitable for the current moment we are living in. Many of us are experiencing difficulties and the future is uncertain but hey it can’t be terrible forever!
It has been an absolute pleasure putting this edition together for you. We also want to give special thanks to our advertisers and article sponsors who have made this issue possible. Our situation is still uncertain as one of our funding applications was rejected and we still haven’t any news about another funding we applied for. The crowdfunder didn’t go great but we’ve had lots of survey responses for which we want to say thank you! We will keep our crowdfunder open for the future and we are exploring different partnerships and moving to an online space. For full update please go to page 4.
We hope that you will enjoy reading this edition featuring lots of great articles about our community, the What’s On section and a book review. You can find out the basics of outdoor gardening on page 20.
Anyway, enjoy and hopefully until the next one!
All the best, 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
Silvia Jiménez Cruz
Also special thanks to all our contributors.
Front cover:
Mural found and photographed by Anna Ruggiero on Wellington Road
Vectors and photos from: Vecteezy.com.
Vocalise Bristol CIC
Donate here
Introducing...
Caitlin Kirabo was born and raised in Uganda to a Ugandan mother and a British father before moving to Bristol, where she unexpectedly pursued a foundation course in Art and Design at City of Bristol College - an experience she considers one of her best decisions yet!
She is now in her first year of studying Illustration at UWE. After growing up in a lush, tropical climate year-round, Caitlin appreciates the changing seasons in England. Despite finding winter bleak and depressing, she feels fortunate to have found a home in Bristol-through its people, sense of independence, and artistic freedom. Caitlin has always enjoyed creating pencil and charcoal portraits, but she hopes to focus her practice on illustrating children's books.
Do you want to promote your business or event?
Vocalise reaches over 10,000 residents per issue.
Caitlin Kirabo
Edited by Bob Lawson
Do you want to support your local area? Vocalise has the community at its heart Get in touch... info@vocalisemagazine.org
VOCALISE UPDATE
As you may already be aware, we are currently experiencing financial difficulties and are unsure if we will be able to continue our work in the future. So, in the past three months we’ve spent time launching, and promoting our Save Vocalise campaign. We’ve had plenty of responses to our survey for which we’re very grateful. We used the survey results to put together a big funding application which would help us secure funds for 18 months. It is the same community fund that has been keeping us going for the past four years so hopefully they will see the value of our work continuing. We’ve also submitted another application for which we are still awaiting the response. If we do get this funding, it will help us cover admin and printing costs of the next two editions.
At the moment we are unsure of the summer edition as the first funding application we’ve submitted has unfortunately been rejected. While this was saddening news, we are not giving up. We want to make sure that we’ve done everything possible to continue releasing the magazine before letting go. But we are also conscious that we might need to stop releasing the physical magazine and move to the online space due to costs.
We will also keep our crowdfunder up, because the more support we will get the more likely we will be able to continue. Also, if you would like to see the summer edition released, please donate!!
Either way, we’re conscious that quite a
pening
that
Written by Julia Widz
a lot of us are not going out as much. So, we’ve partnered with Silvia from St Werburgh’s Community Centre to establish a monthly newsletter, where you get all the amazing content delivered directly to your inbox. If you are interested, sign up on http:// alturl.com/kb48t or scan the qr code.
Additionally, we are looking for a volunteer to help us with the newsletter and social media. It’s a great opportunity to get mentored by St Werburgh’s Community Centre Communications Manager and get to know the ins and outs of community organisations and gain work experience. No previous experience or skills required, just willingness to learn and enthusiasm. Just email to info@vocalisemagazine.org and we will get back to you.
We will keep you all posted on how things are going with us. Keep your fingers crossed!!
and
Vocalise Bristol CIC
Conscious Consumption
Earth Day just passed, and it always gets me thinking about the little choices we make every day - like what we buy, how we use things, and where our stuff comes from. That’s really what conscious consumption is all about: pressing pause before we buy, asking ourselves if we really need it, and thinking about the impact on our planet and our community.
Let’s be honest, it’s not always easy. Life is busy, and sometimes the cheapest or fastest option wins. But I’ve noticed that when I do make more mindful choices -l ike buying from local shops, picking up veggies from the community market, or even just saying “no” to yet another plastic bagit actually feels good. There’s something satisfying about knowing you’re supporting your neighbourhood and doing your bit for the environment.
And it turns out, there’s science behind that feeling. Studies show that when we make choices that are good for the planet, it can boost our wellbeing too. Eating more fresh, local food, wasting less, and connecting with others through swaps or community projects - it all adds up to a happier, healthier life. Consuming consciously helps to save money too. Good for you, your wallet and the planet!
This year’s Earth Day theme was “Our Power, Our Planet,” and it’s a great reminder that we don’t have to be perfect. Every small change - whether it’s cycling to work, sharing instead of buying new, or supporting a local business-makes a difference. It’s about progress, not perfection.
So as we move on from Earth Day, maybe let’s all try to make one small, conscious choice this week. Who knows? It might just make your day a little brighter-and our community a little greener.
Written by Julia Widz
How to consume consciously:
Shop local: Support independent shops, markets, and producers in our community. Not only does this cut down on transport emissions, but it also keeps money circulating locally.
Shop second hand: Chairty shops, Vinted and Facebook marketplace. Buying second hand is a great way to give something a second life and save some money. You can find some real treasures too!
Buy less, choose well: Before buying something new, ask yourself if you really need it. When you do buy, try to pick things that are made to last.
Reuse and repair: Give items a second life by repairing them or finding new uses. Swap clothes or household goods with friends or neighbours-there are often local swap events or online groups for this.
Reduce packaging: Bring your own bags, containers, or coffee cups when you’re out and about. Choose products with less plastic or unnecessary packaging.
Eat seasonally and plant-based when you can: Local, seasonal fruit and veg usually have a smaller carbon footprint. Even swapping out a few meat meals for veggie ones each week makes a difference.
Get involved: Join local clean-up days, community gardens, or skill-sharing workshops. These are great for meeting people and learning new things.
Share and borrow: Instead of buying tools or gadgets you’ll only use once, see if you can borrow from a neighbour or Bristol's Library of Things.
Stay curious: Read labels, ask questions, download Yuca and learn about where your products come from. The more you know, the easier it is to make choices you feel good about.
Listen to the lessons of spring
Words and photos by Anna Ruggiero Cerfied Hypnotherapist
Sometimes I really enjoy my ADHD brain, and this is especially true when it gives me a random moment of writing and creative inspiration!
Whilst enjoying a cycle in Eastville Park on a sunny afternoon, I marvelled at the splendid colours of spring, and as I took in the floral scent, my mind started to twist and turn and weave.
Grief is a strange thing.
Some days are good, some days are bad, and some days just feel like nothing, but there’s something in spring that has made me feel hopeful.
As I enjoyed my bike ride, and the space between the city and my thoughts grew, I started to think about what lessons I could learn from spring, and it turns out, there are quite a few!
Life goes on. There is something beautiful about the consistency the seasons bring. Every year, without fail, buds start appearing on trees, splashes of pink and purple lace our lawns, daffodils appear as if from nowhere and the birds go completely bonkers. This happens without fail and shows us that whatever we are facing right now, life, in its own magical and small way, continues regardless.
There is always light after the darkness. Winter can be a time of reflection, but it’s also very long and mostly dark! Spring shows us that the lighter days will eventually replace the long stint of darkness that winter brings, and that after moments of dark, we can usually, mostly look forward to the light again.
It is okay to live your life the way you wish. Some of us may feel that we aren’t ready for the longer days, social invites and the expectations that often come with better weather. Well I am here to tell you that if you are still in ‘chilled winter mode’, that’s absolutely okay. As an introverted extrovert (I think this is a thing?!), I massively advocate doing what feels right for you.
If moving from the winter snuggly feeling of cardigans and blankies, to the sudden
pressure of ‘heatwave fun times’ feels overwhelming, that’s okay, you can take you time easing into it all.
Disclaimer: I’m telling you this, but actually, I’m telling myself it too!
Expect the unexpected! I was having a chat with my landlady in her beautiful garden, and she gleefully told me that each spring, plants and flowers pop up that she wasn’t expecting to see. I guess that’s like life too! I’m the worst at always needing a plan but often, the best times are when there’s no plan and you let life do its thing. This isn’t always easy, and you do need a whole heap of trust, but when you lean back a little, you never know what might happen or appear.
Beauty in the smallest of moments. Spring shows us that often beauty can be found in some of the most small and discreet moments of life. Watching the robins as they feed their young and awkward looking chicks, the gentle feel of warmth from the first bit of heated sun in weeks, the breathtaking display of blossom, all of it makes you feel happy to be alive to witness such natural and reassuring beauty. Take a moment to stop and just be and you will be amazed at how much magic
there is in the moment you are already living.
I would love to know how you find spring inspiring and if there’s anything I can add to the list, so feel free to connect with me
Green Feast
What happened at our Green Feast …
On Saturday 29th March St Werburghs Commuity Centre had their Green Feast.
What an event! Held in our sustainable Annex building, during the day we had...
• Vertical growing and pomegranate seed planting with the Bristol Rainforest (Plants in Bristol | UK | The Bristol Rainforest ),
• Active travel information and Dr Bike from Bristol City Council,
• St Werburgh’s Primary School’s Green Families Group provided a second-hand uniform stall,
• Silvia Jimenez Cruz brought Herbs Yourself
• Misty Tunks was busy creating Seed ball blessings in the Garden.
• Shakeel Hossain facilitated the Community Climate Talk Table where people shared sustainable stories and knowledge.
• We The Curious (We The Curious | Home) bring their Let’s Build,
• The Inspire Sustainability team at UWE Bristol’s School of Engineering brought ‘Power The Future’ wind turbine activity and
• Bristol Energy Network came with their top tips on energy efficiency and money saving incentives for the home along with their energy bike which generated electricity and powered up lights as you cycled! (Bristol Energy Network)
• Living Streets delivered a fun scavenger hunt and helped with our
• Future Imaginings Big Draw in thinking about what could create a safer and healthier local environment – the invaluable ideas are being collated and will be used as part of our planning in supporting the creation of a community climate action plan for Ashley ward… and so much more!
In the early evening, the Annex became a space for audiences to take their seats and listen to our guest speakers.
The room was abuzz as Goska Ong , Director of St Werburgh’s Community Centre gave a warm welcome and thanked our funders; the VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme Government capital grant – which have made our new energy efficiency measures possible, Bristol City Leap and the National Lottery Community fund.
Kati Inskip-Codogno the Energy Efficiency Project Officer spoke briefly on the new measures, such as the 22.750 kW solar power system now generating much of the centre’s electricity and the Smart thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) which are controlled remotely and keep the main building at a comfortable temperature for the centres community. These new measures will make significant annual savings on the centre’s energy bills, meaning not only will the centre be reducing its carbon emissions and support our environment, but money saved can feed directly back into vital services for our community.
Speakers
Carla Denyer was welcomed first to the stand, she warmly acknowledged our new and existing energy efficiency measures at the Centre and spoke with concern of fuel poverty. She reassured us as co leader of the Green party that her plans lay in strategic lobbying of the government to embed a ‘Just decoupling’ of electricity and gas bills. She argued in a knowledgeable way about the design of current policy that aligns the prices of these energy sources calling for a separation of energy bills so that energy from renewables would likely decrease over time. We were glad to see such committed thinking in her leadership.
Tara Miran then spoke personally of her early years in Kurdistan and lived experience of oppression and being ‘othered’. She spoke passionately about her contributions & campaigns within the communities of Ashley Ward, some of which include: Founding St Paul’s Community Garden, the Green Melon Community Shop - a hub of support, signposting, community cohesion, and connectivity, upheld and supported by Cllr Abdul Malik, in collaboration with her family, members of the community, and community groups. Her campaigns also include the St Paul’s Dentist Campaign and the Better Streets Campaign using herself as a model of empowerment.
Denyer,
Gnisha Bevan then recounted her work with the pioneering Black Seeds Network who are growing racial equity and equality within the UK environmental sector, the superb and inclusive anti-racist and community development training they delivered, a critical intervention - and the recent Nature Rising project, a Global Majority led initiative. Currently, the Nature Rising Exhibition is being exhibited at We The Curious of which Michelle Pascal was the creative director and Gnisha was the Executive Producer. Gnisha’s work highlights the importance of Global Majority leadership within the environmental movement and developing and spreading opportunities.
Michelle Pascal closed the evening platform. As an independent film maker, she spoke passionately about the lack of diverse representation within the mainstream film making industry. She had been for many years, the only black female director in her field at BBC Studios in Bristol. With wonderful resolve, she left the TV industry to work in community and has now started her own company Fam Films CIC, which screens and produce film work that supports Global Majority perspectives.
The talk ended with sharing the Nature Rising film, recently made and produced by Michelle Pascal. Each of our speakers called for Justice and fairness in their unique ways and it was a powerful platform with four young women’s voices.
We are very grateful and honoured to have hosted these speakers who shared their expertise, power and stories with us.
Our Green Feast ended with the delicious evening meal provided by our in-house Coffee Club and made by the wonderful Ella Gibson-Hart and friends, and the scrumptious Banana Chutney made by Misty and the ‘Grow Your Lunch’ crew - thank you.
Thank you also to Paul McMillan and Oana Gurau and the other valiant volunteers who dedicated their time and skills into making this event a true success!
The Nature Rising programme is being exhibited at We the Curious until June. As community members with We The Curious, St Werburgh’s Community Association can offer FREE tickets to visit the Nature Rising Exhibition at We The Curious. If you or any one you know would like a ticket please contact the centre.
Names in photo left to right: Shakeel Hossain, Thila, Paul McMillan, Kati Inskip-Codogno, Kat Corbett, Gnisha Bevan, Fabia Jeddere-Fisher, Carla
Graham Bottrill, Goska Ong, Tara Miran, Mike Birkin, Michelle Pascal.
Thoughts from an Oldie
It's April and looking out of my window l can watch as the leaves and blossom come out. This is the more optimistic side of life at the moment with all the horrible events happening around the world.
Colour is my angst cure. I love the intensity of acrylic paints that l use to create my imagined landscapes inspired by meanderings. I would love to use oils as l suspect the results might be more subtle but they are smelly and not the best medium in a small flat where l paint in my living room.
Photographs get me going too sometimes like Sunset and the Tree view from my hotel room at Gylly Beach, Cornwall where l stayed recently.
written by Hilary Finch
I'm finding it harder these days to get back to my watercolours. Usually these are real landscapes painted sitting outside taking in the view. It's too cold in winter but now l should get myself out there again. I need a better "get on and do it " attitude. I'm not the most disciplined person and take ages sometimes to get going - where to go and how to depict the best image of my chosen view. But once started l do finish.
I don't sketch enough. Practice, practice, practice is always the way with any skill but l tend to rely on the occasional idea. Sometimes l just doodle which can produce some interesting images too.
I hope you enjoy the paintings l'm sharing with you here. I don't have a website but am on Facebook and my email is hilarypfinch@yahoo.co.uk if you would like me to paint something for you.
Down the Local: The Victoria
If you’re ever in St Werburgh’s and you need to quench a thirst then you’re in luck. For a pint-sized community, we’re overflowing with options. They’re part of our social fabric, pubs, but these are tough times, and they need your support. So come with me as we step off the main drag, and pay a visit to a small pub with a big heart, James Street’s finest, The Victoria.
I’m here to meet Rosie, landlady these last six years. That’s her name over the entrance, licencee Rosalind E O’Connor, right? But on Facebook she’s known as Rossie. So which is it? She gives what turns out to be a typical Rosie/Rossie answer. “I’m Rosie. But I’ve spelt it Rossie since I was thirteen. There was this boy at school, Gary, and he spelt his name with two ‘r’s. I thought, I like that. If you’ve got two ‘r’s, I’ll have two ‘s’es!”
It’s the same maverick charm that has enabled her to add her own stamp to the venue. “We’re not quirky; we’re straightforward, popular. But I like to put in my own little twists along the way!” She’s Irish on her dad’s side,
By Ian Jones
yet, whilst the pub attracts a loyal Gaelic following, “I wouldn’t say it’s an Irish pub. I want everyone to feel happy here. That’s my aim. When I took it on, women would never come in on their own, but now they feel comfortable. Young, old, men, women, everyone should feel welcome.”
Also feeling welcome is frequent visitor Romeo, Rossie’s eye-catching poodle, who tracks us into a quiet corner for our interview, like some sort of canine PR. “He’s a real talking point,” she explains. “In fact, he’s more famous than I am!” He’s a standard poodle, which equates to pretty big in the poodle world, even more so in this snug space which also accommodates a pool table, dart boards, a makeshift performance area and a suntrap beer garden primed for warmer days.
As you’d expect, the bar’s the central feature, so let’s talk business. “We only stock one real ale, Gulp IPA, from Frome, so we can’t really compete with the micro-breweries. But I always chop and change to keep customer costs down. Drinks and trends change all the time; you’ve got to be thinking ahead. Once it was all flavoured gins, now it’s rum and shots. My best seller is Baby Guinness, Tia Maria with Bailey’s on the top.” I take a break from my Guinness Zero to try one; it goes down a treat. Rossie agrees. “They’re really popular on birthdays. St Patrick’s day too, I put some trays out and we got through loads!”
Ah yes, St Patrick’s Day at The Vic. It was huge. A packed bar, music, a bit of dancing; a proper celebration over a couple of nights. But there’s lots more to come. Rossie opens up
her planner to reveal a year’s worth of bookings. Tribute acts and drag nights, country and Irish, reggae and soul. Late May Bank Holiday there’s a karaoke special, July 4th promises a powerhouse performance from Caribbean singer Stacey Charles. And if you want something a bit more local, how about Open Mic Tuesdays (first of the month), hosted by Christy from alt-folk band A Passing of Ghosts?
This gets us on to the pub as a community hub. There’s talk of a quiz night, and Rossie tells me about the three darts teams (new recruits welcome). Mondays it’s men, Wednesdays are mixed, Thursdays for ladies. Four wooden spoons in a row now, the ladies, but we’re still proud because “whilst everybody loves to win, really it’s about fun rather than competition.”
The inclusive vibe rings true. We namecheck fundraiser coffee mornings (cancer and male suicide/ mental health awareness), pre-prepped Sunday roasts popular with single people and visitors with learning difficulties who pop by just to play darts and pool.
For many, it’s a home from home. “We’ve hosted birthdays, baby showers and even wakes here,” says Rossie. Despite this, at the moment, it’s “the quietest it’s ever been.” Cost of living, probably, but also, sadly “a few of the old characters have passed away.” A moment’s reflection. “Really, we need to find some new ones….”
Over to us then!
Empire Fighting Chance
When I first came to Empire Fighting Chance, it was for work experience. I’d been referred by a bereavement counselling service after losing my brother to suicide—a loss that shook every part of my world. I came here hoping for some structure, maybe a bit of direction. What I found was so much more.
Within my first week, I was offered one-to-one sessions to help with my grief, and to my surprise, I was hired. That week marked the beginning of a new chapter, not just in my working life but in my healing journey too.
What Empire Fighting Chance Does Empire Fighting Chance isn’t just a boxing gym—it’s a lifeline. Through a powerful combination of non-contact boxing, therapy, mentoring, and education, the charity helps young people from challenging backgrounds overcome adversity and build brighter futures.
Written by Serena Wiebe
Empire creates a space where young people feel safe, seen, and supported. It's about more than just sport— it's about self-belief, resilience, and long-term change.
Rooted in the Heart of St Paul’s Empire Fighting Chance was born in the heart of St Paul’s, Bristol, a community with deep cultural roots and a long history of resilience in the face of inequality. What began as two local boxers offering sessions to young people at risk of exclusion has grown into one of the UK’s most respected youth charities.
Empire plays a vital role in the St Paul’s and Easton communities, where its presence provides real hope and opportunity. It continues to stand as a symbol of strength, unity, and grassroots change—serving those who often feel left behind.
My Journey with Empire
Since joining Empire, I’ve taken on a range of roles—from helping deliver support sessions to mentoring other young people who are walking paths similar to mine. This work has been more than a job—it’s been a chance to give back, grow, and be part of something that truly matters.
Speaking Up, Standing Out
My journey has also taken me beyond Empire. I’m proud to be part of the DCMS Youth Strategy Group, where I contribute to national conversations about the future of youth policy in the UK.
I’m also a member of a Knife Crime Coalition, working to address the root causes of violence and push
for more effective, compassionate solutions. Through these platforms, I’ve had the chance to collaborate and engage with people in positions of real influence—including King Charles, Idris Elba, Lisa Nandy, and Keir Starmer.
It’s been empowering to share my voice and represent the realities young people face every day—and to make sure that voices like mine are part of the decisions that shape our future.
News from SENDaWelcome and My Community Action Group
Why Empire Matters Empire Fighting Chance changed my life. It gave me space to grieve, to grow, and to rediscover my purpose. Now, I get to help others do the same.
This organisation doesn’t just provide support—it creates transformation. In communities like St Paul’s and Easton, where too many young people feel ignored or written off, Empire is a reminder that we all have worth, we all have a voice, and we all deserve a fighting chance.
We had lots of fun at our ‘Celebrating our Environment’ event at the Malcolm X Centre in March. Thank you to everyone who took part.
Sensory Storytime is open to everyone! Second Sunday of the month 10:30am to 11:30am at Bishopston Library, BS7 8BN
Inclusive Skittles
Every Tuesday, 5pm to 6pm At Nevil Road Community Club, BS7 9EQ
We are helping organisations to develop work and volunteer opportunities for people with learning disabilities.
Our next event is on Saturday 14 June th At Trinity Academy, Lockleaze, BS7 9BY 11am to 3pm
email: mycommunitybristol@gmail.com
Call or Text: 0738 6493801
A Rainbow of Health
Saturday 14th June 2025
Building Community Through Inclusion
Jordan’s Journey with My Community Bristol
My Community Bristol is a project run by SENDaWelcome. They work with local businesses to be more inclusive, including supporting the community to offer work experience and employment for people with learning disabilities. In this article, we share Jordan’s experience of working for Steph, the owner of Basil’s Café in the Old Library on Muller Road, and how My Community has supported the process.
When I arrive to meet Jordan, to hear about his experience of volunteering and working at the Old Library’s Café, the community hub on Muller Road is in full swing. A machine pumps iridescent bubbles into the middle of the room, showering the gleeful toddlers nestled on a rug with piles of toys and being serenaded by a playworker with a blowup saxophone.
The walls are lined with shelves of books and comfy seats. In the centre is Basil’s Café, where families watch the action unfolding from tables filled with fresh
coffee and home cooked food.
Grandparents hold babies, mothers breastfeed, and older children spill out onto the patio to race about on trikes or amongst the trees of the garden.
Café owner Steph darts about chatting to the customers, serving food, and clearing plates.“It’s a true community space,” she tells me. “Where anyone can come and have a warm cup of coffee and sit here for the afternoon with no pressure. It’s hard to find places like that these days.”
Putting inclusion at the core of the Old Library’s ethos has meant taking practical action. The management team fundraised for an accessible toilet and added a quieter area of the café for those who need less sensory stimulation; they are now looking at further ways to improve access to their building. As a result, the schedule is full of inclusive events; art classes in the playground, NCT meetings, a Repair Café, police-led community engagement meetings, and on Fridays, The Umbrella Singers—a fully inclusive and accessible choir—meet here.
“We don’t organise the events,” Steph tells me. “Since the doors opened and we made everyone welcome, so many wonderful things have been sparked off. People use it to do their thing in an affordable, inclusive, accessible way—which makes it possible for as many people in the community as possible to come along.”
From left to right: Steph (owner, Basil's Cafe), Jordan (employee) & Rob (My Community Bristol) at Basil's Cafe, The Old Library, Muller Road.
The Old Library reopened as a volunteer-run Community Interest Company (CIC) after standing empty for many years. Steph has volunteered here since 2020, when she moved to the area with a six-week-old baby. Not knowing anyone locally, and with COVID limiting social contact, she found it a space to connect with her community and other new mums. She opened Basil’s Café in January 2024 with the guiding intention of serving the whole community as an inclusive, accessible space.
Jordan is tired after a busy lunchtime shift of clearing and washing plates. We sit outside, to chat about his experience. Jordan, 32, lives locally at New Chapters House in Lockleaze, which gives him a supported and independent way of life, along with others in the community.
He found out about volunteering after seeing My Community Bristol’s ‘Do You Want to Work?’ booklet. He started at the Buzz Community Garden and when the garden closed, Jordan was keen to stay active in the community, so the My Community team introduced him at the Old Library.
Steph met Jordan when they both volunteered at a Christmas party in December 2024. She was impressed by his great work ethic and offered him a paid job every Friday clearing plates and washing up.
The team at My Community Bristol supported Jordan with the practicalities of getting set up to be paid but he organises most of the logistics directly with Steph. He tells us what he enjoys about working with her at the Cafe.
“It makes me feel good to do something that makes other people feel good,” he says. “I felt quite isolated before I started here, especially in COVID, but in 2023, I began working at the garden and it got better. Now I'm here, and I'm really getting out into the world more.”
Jordan says that he’s found the whole process of getting a job "really inspiring" and is proud that his attitude has encouraged his housemates at New Chapters House to start volunteering too.
“I just feel like I'm an inspiration to people, and that has inspired me to do more.”Jordan has set his sights on more volunteering, this time at The Vench, an adventure playground in Lockleaze that offers accessible events and activities.
After her shift, Steph shares her perspective on working with Jordan and the value that he brings.
“It’s vital that community spaces are open to everyone” she says. “Getting the chance to see the way other people experience the world is so important. It's good for the children, the customers, and the staff to meet people who are different from them and learn that being part of a community means that we may need to adjust to accommodate other people. That's a valuable thing for everybody.”
Find out more about My Community Bristol and SENDaWelcome: www.sendawelcome.co.uk Phone or text: 07386493801 email: mycommunitybristol@gmail. com
See what’s on at Basil’s Café at The Old Library https://theoldlibrary.org. uk/basils-community-cafe/
Mini-Diaspora!
Over the May Bank Holiday weekend, the streets, waters, and creative spaces of Bristol buzzed once again with the colour and energy of Mini-DIASPORA! 2025 — a heartfelt follow-up to the monumental DIASPORA! 2024 Festival. Presented by the Diverse Artists Network (DAN), this year’s “mini” edition proved that even a scaled-down celebration can deliver big on joy, artistry, and connection.
Marking its return with four days of diverse, communitycentred programming, MiniDIASPORA! was more than just a placeholder for next year’s flagship event — it was a vibrant continuation of a growing legacy. Founding Director, Deasy Bamford, summed it up best: “DIASPORA!
A Celebration of Culture, Connection and Community
Written By Giulia Bernacchi
The festivities began on Friday 2 May with a special edition of First Friday at Watershed. This monthly social, hosted in partnership with Pervasive Media Studio, saw artists and creative technologists exploring themes of identity, innovation, and impact. It was a warm and interactive opening, full of idea-sharing and new encounters.
On Saturday, participants were invited to quite literally “take the load off” at PHUNGULA — a gentle, healing session of breathwork, singing, and community sharing, inspired by African traditions led by Sisanda Myataza. Held in a calm Brislington setting, this workshop embodied DAN’s
Sunday’s Social Market at Kings Chase Shopping Centre brought the weekend’s heartbeat into a more familyfriendly, festive gear. Local makers and delicious food stalls lined the market, while performances from community favourites ARTUBA, Rad Banaria, The Bristol Griot, and Kennedy Chinyere turned a casual Sunday into a cultural tapestry of sound and spirit.
Monday’s finale, Songs and Stories from the Water, was a particular highlight — not only for its unique format but for its emotional resonance. As the Bristol Ferry Boat Margaret gently cruised the harbourside, passengers were treated to intimate onboard performances from singer-songwriter Noru, the West African-Jazz fusion of The Bristol Griot, a mindful arts set by Sayambrita Mukherjee & Shakeel Hossain, and the infectiously joyful duo ARTUBA.
Rounding off the journey was a moving group singing session led by Gena Rose, featuring the return of the DIASPORA! theme song and the now-beloved anthem “It’s All About Love.” With voices rising together above the river’s flow, the moment became a symbol of unity — reminding us that connection, in all its forms, is the true heart of the DIASPORA! Movement.
Mini-DIASPORA! may have lasted just four days, but its impact will echo long after the boats have docked and the stages have cleared. For the Diverse Artists Network, this was never just about showcasing talent — it was
about creating the sense of belonging, celebrating identity, and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.
As one participating artist shared: “I made connections and memories for life due to [DAN]’s vision.”
For more on Diverse Artists Network and to stay tuned for DIASPORA! 2026, visit www.diverseartistsnetwork.com or follow them on social media.
If this article resonated with you, consider taking the next step by becoming a member of Diverse Artists Network (DAN). We've just launched our new membership program designed to support and elevate diverse creatives and organisations at every level.
Whether you're an individual artist or a large venue, our four tailored tiers offer exclusive access to mentorship, training, consultancy, networking, and promotion—all with diversity and inclusion at the core.
Explore the benefits and sign up today at www.diverseartistsnetwork.com/ memberships.
Questions? Reach out to us at hello@ diverseartistsnetwork.com—we’d love to hear from you.
Outdoor gardening ABC
The Season for Sowing Garden Centre Buyer editor, Charlotte Cowell takes a look at how you can get started on homegrown fruit and vegetables that will withstand the rigours of Great British weather and an army of predators!
Select the right soil
Written by Charlotte Cowell
whilst conditioning your soil for growing crops that need a lot of nutrition.
Keep it Contained
Whilst many budding horticulturalists dream of having large outdoor spaces they can cultivate, the bigger the space, the harder the work, and staying on top of it can get tricky if you’re also jugging full-time work and/or parenthood.
Whether you’ve got acres of space to play with or a tiny urban balcony, successful gardening starts with the basics: soil, sun and water. Depending on what you want to grow, it’s vital to select the right growing media, ideally something peat-free, which isn’t harmful to the environment. Local (Somerset-based) family-run business, Durston Garden Products, has a great selection of sustainable growing media for every requirement. Pic: If you choose a grow bag like this peat-free option from Durstons, you can grow plants like tomatoes and cucumbers directly out of it. (https://durstongardenproducts.co.uk/)
Many seeds require a certain temperature – generally between 15 and 22 degrees – before they will germinate, so you may have to get them going inside the house, a cold frame, or greenhouse if you have one. Read the seed packet to ensure you’re providing the right conditions or you’ll be waiting a long time for some green action!
Try setting up a composting and mulching system if you have the space, as this will enable you to tidy away kitchen and garden waste,
My husband and I used to run a big allotment and, come late spring or early summer, the battle against weeds and predators – deer, badgers, pigeons, crows, foxes, rats, slugs, snails, whitefly, greenfly, you name it – would start to be lost. We soon realised that the fruits and veg we planted in raised beds and/or containers were easier to protect than those left out in open soil. As well as being much easier to weed, beds and pots offer that little bit more protection against late frosts and are easy to keep covered with fleece when you want to make a start on planting earlier in the season.
Tip: potatoes are amongst the easiest starter crops and will grow almost anywhere you put them, but the leaves are vulnerable to frost. They can withstand one flash frost but a second will probably kill them. If we didn’t have any fleece handy I would cover tender young plants overnight with tough old rhubarb leaves, which usually did the trick. Rhubarb is a highly nutritious, versatile and easy-to-
grow plant that is virtually indestructible, so if you want something failsafe that will keep coming back, no matter what you do or don’t do, then this is the plant for you!
Picture Caption: Outdoor spaces can be beautifully designed without expensive garden furniture and planters. Geraniums, olive trees and eucalyptus are placed close together in old wooden crates, which creates Mediterranean 'mini gardens' that can be positioned anywhere.
Picture Caption: Handmade Copper Plant Ring by Copper & Green – the perfect slug repellent and the ideal gift for a gardener. (https://copperandgreen.com/)
Blooming marvellous
If you are more interested in beautifying your patch than growing food, hardy perennials such as geraniums are a great choice, especially if you have a relatively warm and sunny spot to put them in. Geraniums will return year after year and, as they are resistant to many common pests and diseases, will stay looking their best for months at a time from mid-spring through to autumn.
The hardy varieties of geranium are identifiable by their saucer-shaped, five-petalled flowers, which come in a wide range of vibrant colours, making them the perfect choice for garden borders or planting in balcony containers. Geraniums are inedible for slugs and snails, which are otherwise the bane of a gardener’s life. Combine
with lavender, petunias or begonias for a riot of colour, or a beautiful Bloombux shrub, a hardy alternative to Boxwood, which is resistant to Boxtree Moth and full full of gorgeous pink and magenta flowers in spring and summer. All these plants need plenty of sun, welldrained soil and nutrition to thrive.
Picture caption: A magenta Bloombux plant in full bloom.
Plague and Pestilence
The problems we had on the allotment with predators were at the extreme end of the spectrum, as it was large and in quite a rural location, with lots of composting areas and food plants which attracted rats. Securing enclosed gardens against deer and badgers is more straightforward, but marauding birds can still be an issue. Safeguard any leafy greens with wire or netting because you can be sure that the pigeons will notice your broccoli is ripe before you do!
Slugs and snails can be more of a challenge, as they’re small and adept at hiding. Around this time of year, especially after it’s rained, we would go around all the wooden borders, stones, cracks and crevices checking for tiny slugs and then sling them as far as possible from our plot. We don’t use slug pellets, which can be poisonous to birds, but copper wire, tape or even plant rings can come in very handy if you have a bit of budget to splurge. The latter also make great gifts for gardeners (hint!). Alternatively, mulching around young plants is another great way to keep slimy pests at bay, as they can’t stand the stuff!
Pic: Ready made ‘Magic Mulch’ by local Somerset firm, Rocketgro, will also help keep slugs at bay. (https://rocketgro.co.uk/)
The Party by Tessa Hadley
Cards on the table, this wasn’t my first choice. I wanted to write about “Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak and Dogs”, the new(ish) memoir by Jordan Stephenswriter, actor and one half of the recently resurgent Rizzle Kicks. An eye-catching title, and a timely contribution to the post“Adolescence” debate about what it means to be a man.
I tried my luck at Junction 3 Library, but it’s a popular title. Out on loan throughout the West Country, we track down a spare copy in Weymouth (the Libraries West app is a wonderful thing) from where it’s currently in transit. But, you know, deadlines, deadlines, so, whilst we’re waiting, something completely different.
“The Party” is Tessa Hadley’s sparkling coming of age novella about two sisters living their best lives in post-war Bristol. The author is a native Bristolian, and her father played the trumpet, so when we’re first introduced to Evelyn, the younger, and less assured, of the pair, getting off the bus at St Mary Redcliffe to the “sexy blare” of trad jazz coming from The Steam Packet, we know we’re in safe hands.
She’s actually out by chance, invited along by an art school friend of her sibling, the more (outwardly) sophisticated Moira. Determined to make the most of the evening, she transforms into her beatnik best in the ladies loos on the centre before diving into “a half derelict old pub with a terrible reputation” in a state of “agitated happiness”. “If her parents had known where the party was they’d never have let her out.” Well, we’ve all been there.
It’s a brilliantly immersive opening, setting up a chain of events that leads to a second, altogether different, party, at the end of
Book review by: Ian Jones
the book. The characterisation is great, particularly on class and gender, and I enjoyed the shifting relationship between the sisters. There’s a sense of emergent Girl Power too- yes, it’s all set a long time ago, but there’s a real contrast between their cheeky optimism and the more acquiescent world view of their downtrodden mum.
Set firmly in the bitterest of winters, it’s maybe an unusual recommendation for this time of year, but the good news is, if you’d like to borrow it, (checks app) there are several copies circulating in Bristol libraries, so at least you won’t need to head down to Weymouth to find out what happens!
What’s on...
Running an event?
Let us know and we'll help promote it!
Mini-Diaspora by Diverse Artist Network 2-5 May
DIASPORA! is a unique, multidisciplinary arts festival created for Bristol and the South West, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the region. Developed, produced and presented by Diverse Artists Network, the festival champions artists from underrepresented and global majority backgrounds, creating opportunities for visibility, collaboration and growth.
Bristol Walk Fest
1 - 31 May
Bristol Walk Fest is an annual festival between 1 - 31 May showcasing the best of Bristol for everyone to enjoy with inclusive walks taking place across the city for people of all ages, interests and abilities.
FRAMERATE: Pulse of the Earth at Undershed Immersive Gallery 2 May - 13 Jul
Pieced together from thousands of daily 3D time-lapse scans, this process of change becomes visible on a scale impossible to see with the lens of a traditional camera – or with the human eye.
Huw Warren & Yuri Goloubev at Bristol Music Club 7 May
In a duo setting they will explore a wide variety of source material from original compositions, lesser known Brazilian music, modern classics and improvisations based on their shared love of classical music. Expect dazzling improvising combined with deep and moving lyricism.
The Beautiful Future Is Coming at Bristol Old Vic 15 May - 7 June
The world is ending, sure. But what happens in between?
Needle and Pints: Make a Bag Charm at Left Handed Giant Brewery
18 May
Grab a pint and learn how to create your very own unique punch needle charm to adorn your favourite accessories!
Stand Up For The Weekend at the Hen & Chicken
23 May
Tom Warton's stand-up is amazingly assured and he is a unique and genuinely exciting act, oozing confidence from every pore, with quirky, original sideways looks at sex, singledom and swearing.
Project Zulu 2025 Choir
24 May - 5 June
Comprised of children from two schools in the Madadeni township, South Africa, this incredibly talented choir of young children are guaranteed to wow you with their traditional Zulu songs and dances. Performing across the South West for 3 weeks, the children aged 8 – 15 years are from Jobstown and Mntimande Primary Schools where they currently face overcrowded classrooms with more than 60 pupils per class.100% of profits from this tour will be sent directly back to their schools to build new classrooms.
Love Saves The Day
A Bristol born festival that showcases a diverse range of genres and music styles.
24 - 25 May
Bristol Comedy Garden 4 - 8 June
Bristol Comedy Garden, the South West’s largest comedy festival, returns to Queen Square from 4-8 June 2025 with five nights of all-star stand-up live in the Big Top.
Festival of Nature 6 - 15 June
Festival of Nature, the UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world, returns on the 6th-15th June 2025!
Bristol Craft Beer Festival
13 - 15 June
The Bristol Craft Beer Festival returns to the harbourside amphitheatre from 13 - 14 June 2025 for another weekend of celebrating all things beer
Bristol Sounds
25 - 29 June
Bristol Sounds returns to the city’s much-loved harbourside for several nights of live music from Wednesday 25 - Sunday 29 June 2025.
PUZZLES
SUDOKU
Difficulty level: EASY
Difficulty level: MEDIUM
Difficulty level: HARD
Your Councillors say...
Hello, Everyone,
Abdul, as finance sub-committee chair, helped to shape and lead the council’s £1.7billion budget through. This includes more social housing, investment in green spaces and culture, and support for Family Hubs. Find more details on the council website.
Tim has been helping local groups through the CIL application process. This fund is for community infrastructure, such as park play equipment or accessibility improvements.
Izzy has been helping out at Dalrymple park; a collaboration between the council and community groups who are transforming it into a growing space. Please get in touch if you are interested in helping out!
Izzy has also been investigating glysophate alternatives. If you/your street would be interested in opting out of weed-killer, and volunteering to weed the area yourself, please do get in touch.
We are pleased to see plans to pedestrianise Overton Road progressing, as this is something that residents have been asking us about.
We are also happy to see new cycle hangars being put in. There is such a high demand that spaces at these were booked up almost immediately! We will be lobbying for more safe storage for bicycles.
We, as a council, have also been consulting around waste collections, listening to your views. We are trying
our best to ensure that the service is reliable and efficient, and that Bristol’s waste is reduced, reused, recycled and disposed of in the most sustainable ways possible.
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
Hello, Everyone
This will the first time in a long time that I have written anything that has been submitted a formal police report, so please bear with me.
I’ll start with a question: What do you want from your local neighbourhood policing team? This is a question that exercises a lot of our time as we work hard to try and think up ways that the communities we work with can contact us.
In the autumn 2024 issue, Sgt Maz described some of these activities: “Talk to us events”. “Drop-ins” and “Walk and Talks” to name a few. But a lot of these events are generated from and by us and I am aware that as a team we can end up speaking to the same set of people about the same things, but: Who are we not talking to, but need to? What are we missing? What don’t we know or what have we assumed? What are we not even aware of that we don’t know?
Your local Neighbourhood Policing Team and the wider policing family is only going to be as good as the input we get from our communities. This issues article is therefore an
Written by PS Maz Collacott-Nuur
ask as well as a bit of a challenge to tell us how you would like your neighbourhood policing team to communicate and engage with you?
From our side, one of the biggest challenges that we will face as the weather starts to improve is how to balance the needs of being visibly present in our local area with demands of summertime policing, between carrying out our long-term problemsolving role and answering calls on the radio and supporting our colleagues in patrol responding to incidents. We are also going to have less PCSO’s this year as a number of them have left to take on new roles, but this has been balanced out by some new PC’s joining the team recently. So if you see us out, please come and chat to us. Otherwise, we’d love to hear from you, each beat team in Avon and Somerset Constabulary gets it own ‘beat page’ on the force web-site and this has a contact form on it: https://www.avonandsomerset. police.uk/your-area/st-pauls/ https://www.avonandsomerset. police.uk/your-area/montpelierand-st-werburghs/
Or you can email us at AshleyNPT@avonandsomerset. police.uk
But remember, we can only give out what we get in.
Volunteer With Vocalise!
Are you looking to get some experience in social media? Would you like to get involved in a local magazine?
We are looking for a volunteer to run our social media and a newsletter connecting local organisations with our community members. No experience needed, you will be mentored by a communications and engagement officer from St Werbughs Community centre, Silvia. The role will only need your two hours a week, with a desk space in the community centres, ideally on Mondays. You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a magazine, attend community events and learn the ins and outs of online marketing! Get in touch to info@vocalisemagazine.org with a couple of sentences about yourself and why you want to get inovled.
