The Talk of TotterdownThe Newsletter of Totterdown Residents Environmental and Social Action Community Interest Company

Issue No 45, Summer 2017 www.tresa.org.uk

Totterdown really comes alive in the Summer, withplenty of opportunities for family fun and impromptuhappenings in addition to the regular calendar ofevents which residents can look forward to.

Totterdown Music Festival signals the start of theSummer fun, and always draws a crowd. This year’s

event whichruns over theweekend of10-11 June isshaping up toprovide afantasticmusicalextravangazawith aneclectic

musical offering from acts as diverse as The BristolUkulele Club Band to Troy Ellis & The Hail JamaicaReggae Band. As always, organiser Jon Evans has been workinghard at bringing together a wide-ranging variety ofacts to entertain throughout the weekend. Bandsconfirmed to date include: The Dukes of Mumbai, PigsEar, The Dunbars, Mamma Cabassa, Dappa Don &The Playaz, ILU AXE, Sensijam, Regime, Maddie &Malissa, Connor Hughes, Itinerants, The AfricanSambistas, The Deltics, The Bad Losers, CrawlinKingsnakes, The Houdinis and Natty Dapps. Back on The Oxford bbq this year will be delightsfrom Sausagenius as well as burgers, alongside analfresco bar providing a wide range of thirstquenchers. Other local businesses will also be openproviding plenty of food options on the day. Outdoortoilets will also be provided this year. Due to increasing visitor numbers year on year, theCouncil has insisted that this year’s event has SIALicensed security staff, andthe emphasis will remain onthis being a family friendlyevent. Jon Evans haseverything crossed in thehope that the sun will havehis hat on and a greatweekend will be had by all.“One thing is for sure, let’shope we don't see a repeatof the torrential downpoursthat gatecrashed last year’s event!” For the past few year’s TRESA has organised anumber of successful Big Lunch events, a special daywhen communities across the UK gather to celebrate

harmony and community with their neighbours. Thisyear the event has been renamed nationally to honourthe memory of murdered former MP Jo Cox, andcelebrate her message of cohesion and inclusivity “wehave more in common than that which divides us”.The Great Get Together takes place on Sunday 18June 1-4pm in Park Street, Totterdown. If you havebeen to the ‘Big Lunch’ event over the past threeyears, then you willknow this is afriendly, welcomingevent and thisyear’s activities willinclude turniprolling(!!!), paintingand craft, and anopen mic session,all taking part inthe street, the community space and the communityorchard. (*Note: the lower end of Park Street will beclosed from 10am-6pm through an official roadclosure). You can find out more about how to getinvolved via TRESA website or join in the fun on theday by bringing food and drinks to share. Another annual celebration of Summer is the

TRESA FRONTGARDEN Awards andGarden Festival. Theawards are hotlycontested and over theyears there has been anoticeableimprovement in our

blooming streets! This is a great opportunity forresidents and businesses to be creative and havesome fun in the garden. Tidy up your front patch inpreparation for the judging which starts in late June.There are three award categories: Best garden,Wildlife wonderment, Fun and funky. Award winnerswill be announced at the Totterdown GardenFestival which takes place on Zone A on Sunday 9July 1-5pm. There will also be stalls from localorganisations and businesses (think cake andcocktails!) and any individuals who are interested intaking space to sell home-made fare, bric-a-brac orplants (free to TRESA members/£5 donation non-members). BREAKING NEWS: Lavender Broom isscheduled to declare this event open and invite folk togaze in wonderment at the community mosaic! To find out more or if you would like to get involvedor support us in any of these events, please emailhello@tresa.org.uk

A whole new shopping experience awaits

NameAddressEmailJoining date:

Totterdown needs YOU!TRESAcic brings together residents in Totterdown withthe aim of improving and protecting our localenvironment and to promote a vibrant cultural life.Membership is for anyone aged 18 years or over, wholives within the TRESA boundary. Members have votingrights and influence the projects we undertake and joinus in providing a strong voice in commenting on issuesof local significance.ALL REGISTERED MEMBERS WILLRECEIVE A FREE COPY OFTOTTERDOWN HERITAGE TRAIL MAP!The map highlights buildings and sites ofhistoric interest in our area, as well assome of the quirkier elements ofTotterdown (also available at £1 fromTRESA website, and Totterdown Canteen).Membership fees also help towardsprinting costs of The Talk of Totterdown.To join or renew your membership (£3per annum): www.tresa.org.uk to pay viapaypal or complete this form and postwith cash or cheque, (payable toTRESAcic), in one of our letterboxes at Patco, Craftisanor the Post Office (in Tesco).

Sights and sounds ofa Totterdown Summer

Room at the TOP!Many congratulations to The Eating Room, 156Wells Road, recently voted Winner in the‘Café/coffee shop’ category at Bristol Life Awards2017.The business has gone from strength to strengthsince opening in 2015. In addition to building adelicious Mediterranean inspired brunch andsmall plates menu, owner, Sian Titchener, haswowed locals with a host of foodie events andpop-up supper clubs. She was joined in July 2016by Chef Thea Wakeling, who has taken thecuisine to new culinary heights and broughtadditional depth of flavour and adventure to theseasonal dishes, many created with produce fromlocal suppliers.

Commenting on the award, Sian (pictured left) says “Myself and Thea were really shocked, butsuper pleased to win, we were up against some great cafes and we were the underdogs for sure! During ourspeech Thea spoke about how it was a win for South Bristol and that we love being part of, and feeding, thecommunity of Totterdown.”The proof is in the eating - visit for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner - award winning food, great service andall on our Totterdown doorstep. 07397 790433 / info@theeatingroom.co.uk / www.theeatingroom.co.uk

Totterdown Rising- again!Back in print – the story of how the Bristol community ofTotterdown was bulldozed in the 1970s to make way for themotor car and a road that was never built. This is also thestory of how Totterdown and its people have recovered fromthe planning blunders of the 60s and 70s to create a newcommunity. Kate Pollard (whopassed away in January2009) reveals for the firsttime the true extent ofthe Outer Circuit Roadplans and puts paid tothe urban myth thatTotterdown wasdemolished for slumclearance. Instead morethan 500 homes, shopsand pubs were knockeddown to make way for anurban motorway. Despite thedevastating effect of thecentral government plansinitiated by the localauthority, Totterdownresidents have retained the strong sense of community thatmakes it one of Bristol’s most distinctive areas. Richard Jones, of local book publisher, Tangent Books,says: "Totterdown Rising was long overdue a reprint. KatePollard’s impeccable research has uncovered the trueextent of the planning blunders made in the 60s and 70sthat split Totterdown in half for the sake of the motor car. It’sa great tribute to the tenacity of the people of Totterdownthat they have fought for their community over the last 40years and have rebuilt it.” Local Estate and Letting Agents, Greenwoods PropertyCentre will be giving away a copy of ‘Totterdown Rising’ aspart of the ‘welcome packs’ they provide to all new housepurchasers in Totterdown. Commenting on the reissue of the book GreenwoodsDirector, James Grimsted, said “The book is a fascinatingstudy into the history of Totterdown, how it was formed andwent on to become the thriving community it is now.Greenwoods were only happy to help spread the word,primarily, as an informative piece to our clients who aremoving into the area who will enjoy its considerable localrelevance, but also to support local people who wereresponsible for putting the book into production. We hopeeveryone will enjoy it as much as we have here andcontinue to support it in the future.”

The Talk of Totterdown Issue No 45, Summer 2017 www.tresa.org.uk

I took over as Editor of Talk of Totterdown back in Summer 2011, which makes this the 23rdissue I have put together. Whilst there have been quite a number of changes in Totterdownover the past 6 years there have also been a number of constants to keep us grounded. Inthese uncertain political times, and in an era it seems of continually sombre news, it cansometimes be difficult to focus on the positive. But I do believe we have many things tocelebrate about our community and I make no apologies in referencing former MP Jo Cox’smaiden speech to the House of Commons in 2015. She spoke of a community with a spirit ofnon-conformity, a diverse community but one in which, in those famous words “we are far moreunited and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us.” These verywise words perfectly sum up my own thoughts on living in Totterdown which has been my homesince 1993. TRESA’s remit is to encourage, enhance and enable that sense of community. Whatever theresults of the General Election, we will continue to celebrate what’s good about our community,try to put right some of the things that don’t quite work, and ensure we have a lot of fun alongthe way. Here’s hoping for a fabulous Totterdown summer 2017! You can find out more about TRESA,our projects and events, and how to join us and get involved via our website www.tresa.org.uk Carolyn Jones, EditorP.S. The newsletter is all about our community, and if you have a story or photo to share, thenplease do get in touch via email talkoftotterdown@tresa.org.uk

Warmer than averageyear (again!), and12th warmest winterSummary of the winter weather in Totterdown 2016/17Provided by Barry Horton of the Totterdown weather stationwww.bristolweather.orgIn 2016 the Totterdown annual average temperature of 11.7°C was 0.4°Cabove the 30 year average for Bristol, though still cooler than 2014 and2015. The total rainfall for 2016 at the same site was 793.0mm. This is96.9mm less than the 30 year average for Bristol and the driest year since2011. It was also one of the dullest years, equal with 2011, when the solarradiation was partially obscured at the site. The winter of 2016/17 had the average winter temperature (Dec-Feb) of6.6°C. This is the equal 12th warmest winter in Bristol in 127 years of data.The total rainfall of 147.1mm for the three months of winter also make it the16th driest in 136 recorded years of data for Bristol. This last winter had only58% of the 30 year average winter rainfall. This trend has continued intothe spring of 2017. It was a generally dry and dull winter with high pressure and light winds.As usual, the general can mask the specific, and the standout data for theindividual months were as follows:1) The average pressure of 1027mb for December 2016 was the highest ofany month since this data started in January 1993.2) The high pressure of 1043 at 09:00 on the 27th is the joint highest, withFebruary 2001, of any month since this data started in 1995.3) There were four days in December when the average wind speed was 0mph. This is the first time this has happened since this data began in July2005.4) In January it was the calmest January with an average wind speed ofonly 3.0 mph the lowest since this data started in 2006.5) It was the second dullest February with respect to solar radiation sincerecords began in 2006 (12 years of data).

Weather Report

As with many cities, we are lucky here in Bristol to have large numbers of lime trees growingaround our city which come into flower in the months of June and July. Lime trees (or Linden) are large trees favoured by city landscapers as they are tolerant oflopping and help in the reduction of pollution. The trees used are a hybrid, introduced in the17th Century, of the small leaved and broad leaved native limes, both of which are now rare inthe wild. Walking around the city you may have noticed the aroma of the yellowish/white flowerswhich hang in clusters and produce a heady scent irresistible to bees - bees will flycomparatively long distances to gather the nectar, which is sometimes so strong it makes themintoxicated. So, at the height of summer you may notice the odd drunk bee in company withother imbibers. The medicinal value of lime trees is in the use of its flowers. These are dried to be drunk as atea (sold as Tilia) that has a calming, relaxing effect, good for relieving stress and tension andencouraging good sleep. Drunk hot, the tea will help ‘promote sweating’ and ‘break a fever’while the cold tea is good for relieving menopausal symptoms and hot flushes. Honey madefrom lime flowers has the same properties. Historically, such was the value placed on the flowers medicinal properties that they wereplanted in the 17th century by Royal Decree as shade trees beside the roads. The wood is alsovalued for being light and good to carve and many of the carvings in St Paul’s Cathedral andother buildings of that time are made of lime wood. The tree was also important in North European culture from pre-Christian times, oftenconsidered sacred and it was believed that if judicial meetings were held under the tree it wouldhelp to unearth the truth and bring justice and peace. I am not aware of any lime trees in Totterdown, and perhaps we should consider planting oneif the opportunity arises. However, a word of warning - if you park your car under a lime tree onyour return you will find it covered in a sticky sap exuded by the large numbers of aphids whichlive on its leaves. Anne Silber

“To be, ornot to be?”That was thequestion. Andone verysatisfactorilyanswered bythe recentreopening ofThe Shakey

A rousing ‘cheers’ for the reopened Shakey! Bright andwith a fresh new outlook, but also familiar in so manyways, and offering a very warm welcome to locals. The new owner, Euan Campbell, has been working inthe hospitality industry in Bristol for over 30 years;working mainly as a chef at places as varied as theGlass Boat and Pieminister, and also on the festivalcircuit, as well as running bars for Bath Ales at manyevents. Following a spell running Tao Bar on CheltenhamRoad, Euan and his partner, Clara, took on the Rose ofDenmark in Hotwells - a pub in desperate need of a bit ofloving which they managed to turn around into one of themost established alehouse/eateries in Bristol. With a desire to share his passion for great food anddrink, and more than a passing interest in Totterdown,Euan explains his decision to take on the job of revivingthe Shakey. “There are a few pubs in Bristol which you could callinstitutions – and one of these is the Shakey! Years ago Iworked in Totterdown in Glasnost, now Thali Cafe, and

used to frequent the Shakey when the fantastic Ernieused to play his decks. Great times. So when I heard itwas empty there really was no question - the Shakeycan't die, we have to do something and resurrect anicon.” “For the team I have grabbed the manager from theRose of Denmark, Josh Lewis, who brings enormousexperience but also a whole lot of passion and care.What we are trying to achieve is an old schoolcommunity pub, a ‘real’ pub which is welcoming for allwith excellent service and fantastic drinks and food. Ican't stand gastro gentrified pubs which have littleatmosphere and expensive drinks, this is not what weare about at all.” The offering at the bar includes a great choice of beersand wines, as well as soft drinks and coffees. Euan’slove of ale and Yorkshire heritage means TimothyTaylor's will always be on tap alongside a changing rostaof other beers, whilst cider lovers can expect OrchardPig Reveller, as well as Stowfords and some guestciders. An added benefit of the chef’s background will beunusual seasonal cocktails. We have already had afabulously refreshing watermelon and rose hip mojito, abeetroot, cucumber, elderflower and Plymouth gin chiller,and there is the promise of many more to come. The food focus will be on seasonal and qualityingredients, using local suppliers where possible. Onoffer are fantastic bread bowls (from local bakery,Baked) filled with many choices of stews and soups,vegan and meat. A create your own ‘ploughmans’ withan amazing array of ingredients to choose from includingdelicious salads made from produce from the Banana

Boat. Future foodoptions will include arange of specialsfrom jerk chicken tobanh mi rolls andclassic Cubansandwiches.

The Shakey hasonly been open for acouple of monthsand so the team issettling in and still firming up ideas for future events andactivities. There are plans for live music every monthwith Moscow Drug Club and others already booked in,and music is being lined up for the Totterdown MusicFestival weekend in June. The team have alreadyembraced the Totterdown arty vibe, with displays fromvarious local artists which will change on a regular basis.And of course activities around FRONT ROOM weekendwill be a key event for later in the year. Keep up to datewith events via Facebook ‘Shakespeare Totterdown’. Euan’s future plans? “To make sure The Shakey ishere to stay; a place for everyone with something foreveryone, it's a pub and a place for the Totterdowncommunity to be proud of.”

The Shakespeare,1 Henry Street, Totterdown, BS3 4UD

Open Sun-Thur 12noon to 11pm,Friday&Sat 12noon to 12midnight

(Food served every day until 10pm)

The Shakespeare

Summer and the intoxicating scent of lime trees

JOIN US FOR OUR AGMWednesday 19 July, 7.30-9.30pm

VENUE TO BE CONFIRMEDMore details available nearer the time at: www.tresa.org.uk

Would you pay your council tax by direct debit?Bristol City Council is keen to encourage residents to considerpaying council tax by direct debit.

Undoubtedly this is a more cost effective way for the council to managepayments, and it makes it easier for the council to budget - but is itsomething that you do? And if not, why not? Most people in Bristol pay council tax by Direct Debit. It’s the easiest wayto pay: secure, reliable and hassle free. It means your council tax willautomatically come out of your account every month – without you havingto lift a finger. Other advantages of paying by direct debit are a choice ofpayment dates (1st, 15th or 25th of the month) and being able to spread anyrepayments due on your account over the rest of the year. You can set a Direct Debit up online in less than 5 minutes by visitingbristol.gov.uk/counciltaxdirectdebit. All you’ll need is your council taxaccount number (found on your bill) and the details of the bank accountyou want to use for the payments (account number, sort code and thename on the account). Do you feel this is the way forward or are you adamant that paying byDirect Debit is not for you? Let the Council know what you think via emailcorporate.communications@bristol.gov.uk

www.tresa.org.uk Issue No 45, Summer 2017 The Talk of Totterdown

Inhale that “get up and go!”It’s something we all have in common; no matter what our view is on the naturalworld, if we love wildlife or not, if we our educated in it or not. It’s the natural smells ofspring and summer that waft around and let us know that warmer times are coming. I have never heard anyone say they dislike these natural smells, so can onlyassume that they make everyone feel good inside. Such smells come from theblossom of hawthorn, blackthorn and alder. Such sweet strong smells that fill the air.Cut grass is the one everyone will mention, and the one that reminds most people ofsitting in a country pub garden in the evening, with the dew on the rise and ablackbird singing its heart out. I love the smell of bramble bushes and scrub, to me ithas an earthy sweet smell that is subtle and not too overpowering. There are lots ofdifferent smells of summer that invigorate our natural senses, and I’m sure you willhave a special one of your own. I had someone send me a video the other day of blue tits using a nest box in theirgarden. This was great in many ways. 1, because the birds were using the box, and2, because the chap who sent it is the last person you would expect to get excitedabout it!! The chap got the bird box from me (without telling me) and put it in hisgarden. He was really happy that the birds were using it, and said he liked watchingthem flying in and out. It’s amazing what joy the hard life of a bird can give to others,and I am happy that someone has had a bit of inspiration to encourage them todiscover wildlife. Have you got any summer wildlife ambitions for 2017? Mine is to find the fernknown as moonwort, which has been recorded at Bristol Airport, and to try and startrecording fern species around Bristol. I also want to try my hand at a bit of wildlife art.Now that I have finished my MSc, I am hoping I might be able to squeeze a few ofthese things in, but in all honesty, I could just sit back with a cider, feel the duskdamp air start to settle and be serenaded by the sweet tune of the blackbird settlingdown to roost for the evening. Have a good one, Dan Flew

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TotterdownTogetherBack in February Marvin Rees, Mayorof Bristol, opened two brand new artspaces at City Hall to showcaseBristol talent and give cultural andcommunity groups uniqueenvironments to display their work. The new spaces sit within City Hall’svestibules; former entrances located at either end of the building. They will be usedto provide space for groups to share their projects and ideas through exhibitions,performances, cinemas and pop up art markets, providing opportunities forshowcasing a diverse range of work. One of the first exhibitions to go on display is artrepresenting the unique character of the city’s 34 wards. Popular local artist, Jane Vellender, is well known for her lively and vivid images ofTotterdown and was delighted to have been selected for the exhibition. "By bringing together art from each of the 34 wards, I hope that we will be able tocreate a picture of the city’s cultural make-up which will remind us all to think deeplyabout the implications for each of these areas. I feel this is important as we moveforward into a time where the decisions we are making will start to have a profoundeffect upon the whole of Bristol." “I was asked to do the first art work for Totterdown and Windmill Hill ward whichwas a wonderful surprise. How to represent and say something about our area? Ithad to be the view of the mosque and coloured tumbling houses of Totterdown fromVictoria Park.” “I did the sketches on the day that ‘Storm Doris’ blew through – they wereextremely brief! At least it is a view I know really well! The lower layers of the painting“Totterdown Together” are collage and I was extremely pleased to find a newspaperheadline the next day – “Deadly Doris, storm hits Britain”, I was able to include thisand you can just see it in one of the clouds. I hope it adds to the atmosphere of thework.” This iconic view of the colours of Totterdown is now on view at City Hall alongsidethe other 33 paintings which offer a fascinating reflection of the city’s diversecommunities.

Cuts, cuts, cuts - we're told the council has no money andsavings have to be made. One of the casualties is the Neighbourhood Partnerships(NP). Many of you may never have heard of yourNeighbourhood Partnership, or care that it is going. NPs arepart of the council that provides a connection with the public. Ifyou had a problem with something in your community, youcould go your local NP who would then help by finding thecorrect contact person at the council. They also provide a forumto meet with local police, and waste collection teams. Withoutthese forums, it is now harder for communities to solve their problems. We believe this loss makes community groups like TRESA all the more importantas a means for people to make a positive difference in their community. We try hardto help local people solve their problems. This could be signposting, raisingawareness, or even mobilising people to get involved. We have worked with thecouncil, its officers and elected representatives, for many years, so we do have someknowledge of who to seek out. We are also looking at getting police presence at ourregular meetings to provide an additional opportunity for local people to raise theirconcerns. Another issue in which TRESA takes a keen interest is planning applications in ourarea. Sadly, most developers care little about the interests of the community. If leftunchecked, developers would get as much money as possible out of a site - usuallyby squeezing in more people. TRESA wants to ensure we have a vibrant, sustainablecommunity for existing and future residents. We know that cramming in more peoplewithout extra services leads to problems. If you convert a house to flats, where willthe extra people park? will there be more bins blocking the road? which local GP willthey use? For most small-scale developments there are few issues, but there are currentlyseveral large developments being proposed on the Totterdown border along the BathRoad, and any of these would impact on local people. There are large developmentsplanned for Totterdown Bridge (Developers would like a 12 storey tower), the nextphase of the Paintworks development, the site of Majestic Wine warehouse, BathRoad Studios, and the old Office Shop opposite Arnos Park. In two years, there couldbe an extra 1000+ people living along the Bath Road. More cars trying to get into theCity or cutting through the Stanley Hill rat-run and increased demand on localschools and GP and dental surgeries. TRESA supports sustainable development at a human scale and with appropriatesupport services. We are now working with other local residents’ groups in ArnosVale, Sandy Park, St Phillips to raise awareness of this issue and to try to ensure thatall this new development is treated holistically rather than piecemeal. We believe thattogether we can push the council to recognise the cumulative impact this could allhave and so encourage officers to consider means of mitigation. This could beadding more bus stops, getting more bus services, ensuring bin stores are designedeffectively, encouraging better parking provision, making the local streets nicer sothat people are happy to walk rather than drive. The planned developments in the area highlight the need for an organised andcoherent voice to work with the council for the best solution, rather than lettingproperty developers milk the area for money before moving on. Previously the NPwould have helped people raise their concerns - now it is down to individuals andvoluntary groups. TRESA will continue to champion the best outcomes forTotterdown - we'd love for more people to join us.

Simon Hobeck, Chair of TRESA

Byteback co-founders Nathon Hawke and Andrew Town wantBristol to be a truly inclusive connected digital city whereeveryone who would like a computer at home can have one,regardless of age, income or background. This digital aspirationhas now become a reality for many residents, thanks to BristolComputer Reuse, a city-wide project with the aim of makingaffordable computers and laptops available to individuals andfamilies on low incomes or facing other challenges.

“We work with stocks of computers that are no longer required by the council,businesses and organisations across the South West. We take machines destinedfor landfill or overseas, refurbish them and then make sure they are ready to be usedby new owners. The scheme is supported by Bristol City Council and it is possible toapply for refurbished computers from as little as £50.” explains Nathon. So far, the project has found new homes for over 2,500 refurbished machines - agreat example of commercial recycling at its best. Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol andsupporter of the project says, “Having access to the Internet is crucial to mostpeople’s lives, but not everyone can afford a new computer. With a refurbishedcomputer people can keep in touch with loved ones, apply for jobs, completehomework - things many of us take for granted”. Contact Bristol Computer Reuse to see how you and your family can benefit fromthe service. Likewise, if you have a business with any laptops or IT equipment thatyou no longer need Byteback are keen to hear from you. Your electronic waste couldbe another’s key to becoming connected and is a great way your business can helpsupport the local community. Find out more: 0117 3706 456 / info@bristolcomputerreuse.org

The Talk of Totterdown Issue No 45, Summer 2017 www.tresa.org.uk

Fellow residentsAs you may know, Totterdown’s Ladies Circle meets on amonthly basis to enjoy coffee and the very best of homebaking whilst listening to an invited speaker. This month Iwas pleased to contribute a batch of salted caramelprofiteroles. Unfortunately, I am not sure that Eileen hadsufficiently considered her choice of speaker. The topic wasimportant, and relevant to my campaign to Tidy UpTotterdown and Tactfully Uphold Taste (Tut, tut!), but therewas too much home baking left at the end of the session. Itwas difficult to enjoy Edna’s lemon drizzle cake when facedwith photographs of dog excrement. Our speaker, Mrs Fotherington-Green, was certainlyknowledgeable about the problem of dog fouling. Apparentlythere are 8.5 million pet dogs in the UK and they produce1,000 tonnes of faeces a day. The majority of dog ownersare responsible and courteous, adhering to the “bag it andbin it” message for towns and cities. The bag can be

deposited in any general waste bin, although not all dog walkers know this, andnot all dog owners clean up after their pets. (Just as I was about to savour one ofEileen’s parmesan puffs, I was reminded of the unpleasant problem we had onthe pavement outside Totterdown Mansions. We never did identify the culprit.) Mid-way through her talk, I felt Mrs Fotherington-Green was out of kilter withher audience. She became overzealous about walking in the countryside anddecided to demonstrate the “stick and flick” approach for areas where there areno bins. I did not take kindly to her using one of my profiteroles as a “pseudo-poo” and flicking it to the side whilst quoting a rhyme promoted by the ForestryCommission: “If your dog should do a plop, take a while and make a stop, justfind a stick and flick it wide, into the undergrowth at the side.” There was an embarrassing silence when she finished the demonstration, andgeneral agreement that the “bag it and bin it” approach was more suited to thestreets and green spaces of Totterdown. Nevertheless, we did share herconcern about “the ghastly dog poo bauble” which was highlighted during arecent House of Commons debate. At this point we were shown pictures ofassorted plastic bags of dog faeces dangling from railings, gates and bushes. Having been thoroughly put off our refreshments, we were somewhat relievedto hear that dog owners can be fined £80 if they do not clean up after their dogs,and taken to court if they fail to pay the fine within 10 days. In Bristol, dog foulingproblems can be reported online at https://www.bristol.gov.uk/streets-travel/dog-fouling or by calling 0117 922 2500. To help with the problem locally, I volunteered Mr Broom to go out with TRESAon Poo Patrol Big Spray Day, gathering information for Bristol University aboutthe risk of disease and the scale of the problem.Tut, tut!

Lavender Broom: Tut, tut!

Talk of Totterdown is edited by Carolyn Jones. Views expressed are not necessarily those of TRESACIC. Available as a pdf document on the website at: www.tresa.org.uk

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Talk of Totterdown is edited by Carolyn Jones. Views expressed are not necessarily those of TRESACIC. Printed by: Doveton Press Ltd www.dovetonpress.co.uk

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Open till Midnight 7 days a weekWine, spices and lots more!

111 Wells Road, Totterdown BS4 2BS0117 987 2230

News in brief10 out of 10 for A cappella: This family focused restaurant will celebrate 10 years inbusiness this coming July. Its pizzas are legendary (rated No1 independent pizzaria in theUK on tripadvisor!) and there is always a great range of Mediterranean inspired seasonaltreats on the menu.Happy 1st Birthday to The Little Butcher of Totterdown: Congratulations to JamesStafford-Little and his team who recently celebrated their first year’s trading in Totterdown.They have certainly packed a lot into that first year, with collaborations with localbusinesses, including The Eating Room, Totterdown Canteen, and numerous impromptubbq outings with Sausagegenius. Never a dull moment…All change at The Duchess: After 5 years in charge of Totterdown’s quirky and popularcafe, former owner and proprietor Leo is moving on from The Duchess, and we are trulysad to see her go. The Wells Road premises was a haven for cake lovers and afternoontea devotees. The premises are currently being refurbished and we await the newincarnation with interest!Goodbye and good luck: The three chefs who brought a historic makeover to the menuat The Star and Dove, Leigh, Matt and Tim said their goodbyes at the end of May. We wishthem every good luck in their future gastronomic adventures. So what next for the S&D?

News from our local councillorAs your local councillor, I have become increasingly aware of theissue of poor air quality in Bristol. Air quality is one of the mostserious issues facing people’s health in Totterdown, and I receivemany emails from people who are worried about the air they arebreathing. According to a 2014 study, air pollution causes the deathof 188 people a year in Bristol. The air pollution in the city centreand in other areas around busy roads regularly exceeds Europeanand World Health Organisation limits. Cars are the biggest sourceof air pollution in Bristol, and we in Totterdown have three mainroads separating the densely populated residential streets. It is clear that local authorities have to address this urgently. LastNovember, Bristol Council unanimously passed a motion to tackleair pollution in the city and to take steps towards establishing aClean Air Zone for the city. In February, there was a successful bid for a £500,000government grant for a feasibility study on a Clean Air Zone which should be completed bythe beginning of next year. A Clean Air Zone will give the Council powers to ensure thatvehicles entering the zone meet certain emissions standards, and encourage people toswitch to lower emissions vehicles. This would be an important step as older dieselvehicles in particular contribute to the proliferation of dangerous emissions in Bristol.Radical schemes like this which work to change people’s behaviour are the only way tobring about the change that we need. I hope that whoever is in government when you read this (I am writing before theGeneral Election!) takes seriously the need for good public health and clean air for peoplein Bristol, and gives cities the resources with which to address this. The newly electedMetro Mayor will also have a key role in promoting air quality and the health of people inBristol. If you would like to hear more about air quality, TRESA’s public meeting on June21 will have guests from Claircity (www.claircity.eu), a project that aims to put power inthe hands of residents to determine how best to tackle this very serious issue. If you can’tmake the meeting, please have your say and complete their survey atbit.ly/bristolsurvey1 Councillor Jon Wellington

Your local Windmill Hill CouncillorsAdvice surgery - First Friday of each month 6.30pm – 8.00pm

at Victoria Park Baptist Church, Sylvia Avenue

Cllr Jon Wellington: 07392 108804 / cllr.jon.wellington@bristol.gov.ukCllr Lucy Whittle: 07392 108805 / cllr.lucy.whittle@bristol.gov.uk

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Thanks and well done to Assilah Bistro Moroccan Restaurant at 194Wells Road. Owner Bridget Holden hosted a Ladies Day event toraise funds for breast cancer. The proceeds on the day totalled £220,and went to the oncology unit at the B.R.I., where three of the womenwho participated in the event are currently being treated.