Up Our Street April to June 2011

April to June 2011

Do you have a story or photo to share? Contact us on 377 3638 or [email protected]

monstrosity that is perceived by people in Easton and St Pauls to have split their communities, the divisive M32 may yet be crossed and overcome by the next genera-tion. Children at Millpond and Cabot primary schools have been working together to explore the negative per-ceptions of their communities and cultures, spanning the great divide with new friendships. Given their own cameras, children worked together for several weeks in groups taking each other to their favourite places, and encouraging friendship and new relationships. My New Friends project, a collabo-ration between the schools, Love Works and Community Resolve has given children the chance to say what they think. “In Easton there are people I feel scared of” said one pupil at the start of the project. “In St Paul‟s it is

Continued on page 13

A

Bonnie Brown met which ex-England and Liverpool player when he won Volunteer of the Year?

Win a bike worth

Details inside. £200

What will English course cuts mean for our community? Is this the end of ESOL?

Goodbye and thanks to EBAS

We bid East Bristol Advice Service a fond farewell and thank them for all their dedication and commitment to providing advice to the people of Easton and Lawrence Hill.

EBAS want residents to know that debt and welfare rights advice will still be provided in East Bristol.

If you need help contact St Pauls’ Advice Centre on 9552981 or Bristol Debt Advice Centre on 9543990.

2 Up Our Street www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

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and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management.


Will the plug be pulled on ESOL?

Ever heard someone say “Well, if they want to come and live here they should learn English?” Put-ting prejudice aside for a moment, it‟s a widely ac-cepted view that to integrate into a society, get on with your neighbours and make a living, you‟ve got to know the lingo. David Cameron has made it clear he thinks so too. So why is government about to severely cut fund-ing for English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL)? If current plans go ahead, ESOL will only be free for students receiving Jobseekers Allow-ance or Employment Support Allowance. From September only those actively seeking em-ployment will have the right to learn our language without incurring cost. If you‟re a mother of young children, in work but on a low income or an asylum seeker fleeing vio-lence in your homeland, you‟re on your own.

Some argue the cost of a course should be borne by anyone wishing to settle in this country. Others believe that a little money spent now will bring so-cial and economic benefits for years to come. What do you think? Campaigners have already been arguing strongly against the cuts, and questions are being raised about the impact of these in the House of Lords. Residents have also raised this issue at our neighbourhood forums. If you‟d like to offer your support write to your lo-cal MP or visit http://actionforesol.org/

Amadou Soumahoro is a Beacon Centre volunteer and Migration Impact Fund Community Champion. He‟s been taking ESOL classes at Beacon Centre.

“I didn‟t speak any English. Nothing. When I was homeless and someone wanted to help me they called me and I didn‟t know what they said. Thank God and English people that I understand now. I go to hospital by myself. No interpreter. I speak for myself it is much better. If you didn‟t do ESOL you will not learn Eng-

lish quickly. They speak to you English language, English culture. It‟s much better if you speak English to go to the hospital, and a solicitor, to speak to the GP. It‟s very, very hard. One day I go to Refugee Action. They don‟t understand me and I don‟t understand them. It‟s difficult when it‟s not your first language. It‟s very im-portant if you can speak English. I meet many friends. It‟s very, very bad [to take away ESOL funding]. If no-body going to English school what can people do? You have to manage yourself. You don‟t have an interpreter in immediate situations. The best thing now is I don‟t have to get someone to help me. I don‟t need interpreters. And I can speak to my friends”.

Anab Hirsi is taking ESOL classes at SPAN Study Centre. She has two young children. “ESOL is most important because I’m speaking

English. I didn’t understand before. Now it

grows up, up, up. It can help me to speak Eng-

lish: to go to the doctor, if someone visits at

home. If you can’t speak English you can’t un-

derstand letters. That’s why I come to class.

Last week they told the money would stop for

ESOL. It makes me sad government is cutting

the classes...It’s most sad for me”.

"That includes making sure that immigrants speak the language of their new home and ensuring that people are educated in the elements of a common culture and curriculum." David Cameron on practical measures to help integration and prevent extremism

“It‟s important for everyone and for the government. The government spends a lot of money on benefits and for translation. If people are working they don‟t need money from the government”

“My children have found new friends and I have found new friends. Otherwise you stay inside the house”

“Help our children, help our neighbourhood and

one day get a job to make your life better”

“You don‟t feel free. When my first child was born I have to ask my husband if I want to go doctor or health visitor. You have to tell someone else your business”

“If you know English you can talk to your children teacher”

“If you don‟t know English you don‟t know the people who are living here”

It‟s harder for single mums. I couldn‟t talk English if I was staying at home”

“I have neighbour with no English. She can’t call the police or ambulance”

SPAN learners say ESOL should stay.


Bonnie receives his award from the World in Motion football song rapper and ex-Liverpool star

Ace coach meets football legend

An Easton Street Sportz coach has won Access Sports Volunteer of the Year Award for his outstanding work with young people in Easton. Bonnie attended a glittering gala dinner in London, where he received his award from ex-England player John Barnes. Easton Neighbourhood Police Teams partnership with Access Sports provides Friday night football sessions with free sports coaching. Easton Beat Manager PC John Shaddick who jointly set up the venture said that he was “delighted that Bonnie‟s commitment and enthusiasm has been recognised. Bonnie has built up a great rapport with the boys who are growing in numbers every week”. The neighbourhood team hopes to pro-vide further opportunities for young people in the area.

Congratulations to

Barton Hill Primary School... ...for being awarded OUTSTANDING for community cohesion, tackling discrimina-tion and racial harmony by Ofsted.

Congratulations to

Millpond Primary School... ...for being praised for the “purposeful leadership” of new teacher Mary Wyatt by Ofsted

Well done! to Friends of Netham Park for

their hard woodland management work this winter. If you‟d like to help out more around the Netham get in touch with Alex Milne on 07941 322755 or [email protected]


Academy award winning radio station voted best in South West

BCfm, the Bristol Community fm radio station and local charity is the number one station in the South West as voted by judges at the Radio Academy

awards. The Nations and Regions award is for the station with an audience of under 300,000 (small station). The winning station will go for-ward to the Sony Radio Academy Awards 2011, and could walk away as the UK‟s best small sta-tion of the year. Judges applauded the aims and ambitions of the station and its in-clusion of voices from widely rang-

ing ages, cultural backgrounds and levels of experience and said its schedule reflects the rich mix of Bris-tol‟s inner city population. Phil Gibbons, Station manager said it was a major award for BCfm 93.2fm. “It endorses everything we try to do at the station. We came from humble

beginnings and have now grown into a great radio station that does much more than make noise.

This is a big thank you to the hun-dreds of volunteers who have worked so hard to make the station a truly community led project for the whole of Bristol”.

Awards host Mustapha

Laura Kan introduces the Chinese dragon

Driving through east Bristol? Be

aware of the new speed limit

By Robin Butcher

Just before Christmas, a new 20mph speed limit was launched in central and eastern Bristol and resi-dents and commuters are being asked to travel at or below the speed limit when driving through these areas. There are now a wide range of ma-terials available to residents who want to support this campaign including „20 is plenty‟ key rings, car stickers, badges, information leaflets and cy-clist‟s tabards. If you want to display any of these materials and possibly distribute them in your area to encourage safer speeds in Bristol, get in contact! Dr Hugh Annett, director of public health for Bristol, explains why 20 is plenty: “This new 20mph speed limit is all about making it safer for everyone to walk, cycle, play and socialise in the streets where they live. Vehicle speeds are the single most important factor in providing a safer environment for all resi-dents.” The 20mph pilot zones have been developed as part of the Cycling City project in partnership with NHS Bristol and Active Bristol. For further details on the 20mph zone, or to get your publicity materials contact me on [email protected] or 900 2200.

Mark Stone, Parent Governor of Limes Nursery, Whitehall

In Easton and Whitehall, there is an increasing amount of traffic on the smaller roads. On those roads with schools such as Johnsons Road in Whitehall, many drivers are blocking each other and over-taking without care, making it dangerous for children at school times. If people ensure they park safely and travel within this 20mph speed limit, then this will make the streets safer for our children and others.

“

“

Dan Stern, resident Bruce Road, Whitehall

Just having the signs around you reminds you to slow down, sometimes you can feel the other drivers’ frustra-tion behind you, but if this limit adds just a few minutes to each person’s journey to save a child’s life, then it is more than worth it.

“

“ You could win a bike from 20 is plenty! See page 14


Neighbourhood Partnership...

...heard about it?

The Ashley, Easton & Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Partnership

Who are we?

We are 46 people who live and work in the area - ward Councillors, local residents, community and voluntary groups and local businesses reps – people who live and work in the three wards of Ashley,

Easton and Lawrence Hill (the neighbourhoods of St Werburghs, St Andrews, Montpelier, St Pauls, Whitehall, Greenbank, Easton, St Judes, Barton Hill, The Dings, Old Market, Redcliffe and Redfield). We are one of 14 Neighbourhood Partnerships in Bristol.

What do we do?

The whole point is to give local people more influence over decisions and getting things done. We hold regular neighbourhood forum meetings for residents and local businesses people to raise issues.

What can I do? Simple steps to getting things done...

Report any problems on your street (it‟s very easy)

from a pot hole to a broken street lamp. Go to www.fixmystreet.com OR phone Bristol City Council on

9222000.

Contact your local ward Councillor You can visit www.bristol.gov.uk contacts page or call on the

number above for your Councillor‟s phone number and email.

Come along to a Neighbourhood Forum 25 May 2011, Hannah More Primary School, 6.30 to 8.30pm 11

July 2011, Easton Primary School, 6.30 to 8.30pm

Drop in and see the people who work in 108

Church Rd Redfield OR St Agnes Lodge, St Pauls

We advertise all meetings on the local community notice boards but if you want information direct please phone 3773638 and ask to be put on our mailing list.

Small grants 17 local projects received small grants to do a whole range of things

across Easton & Lawrence Hill. There‟s someone improving an area under the M32 (turn to page 11), a young person organising a cooking project with other young peo ple and older people organising computer classes and community gardening. We were inundated with applications and so sadly, we had to turn people down but watch this space for future opportunities.

Clean and Green We‟ve been working with City Council staff to improve

the environment. On top of that we have secured funding for bulb planting; for residents of Bloy Street to improve their square; a forest garden on Peel Street (fruit and nuts!); a community day to make hanging -baskets in St Agnes and a mural on Moon Street.

Traffic Speeding, congestion and problematic parking is a big issue for our

area. The Neighbourhood Partnership has a small budget to carry out „minor traffic schemes‟ (things like traffic calming and pedestrian crossings). We have a long list of problems reported by local people. At the March Neighbourhood Partnership meeting Councillors will decide which problems will be addressed in 2011/2012.

Forum news and your views

At the January Neighbourhood forums you said that your priorities for agencies were fly tipping on Ducie Road, littering and dog fouling in Owen Square, drug dealing in the high rise flats in Barton Hill and car crime in St Philips, The Quadrant, Midland, Waterloo Road and Unity Street. Residents heard about the new 20 mile per hour speed limit at both forums. Clarification was sought on whether the 20 mile per hour zone is legally enforceable. The police confirmed that it is (read more on page 5). At residents request parking services and the planning department attended your forum in March. Residents asked why no parking officers had visited Armoury Square, and reported parking problems outside schools and on Beam Street, Barton Hill, and the ongoing commuter parking issues in The Dings homezone. A review of traffic management in The Dings is now underway. Residents questioned why there are flats and offices being built at Old Market and Temple Meads, but no convenience store. Planning explained that uncertainty of a customer base has been a barrier to attracting traders. Planning also agreed that they needed to liaise more with local services when new homes are built. 2000 new homes are needed for East Bristol. Residents also reported fly-tipping in Redfield, faulty lights in Gaunts Ham Park and Urban Park and an Easton shop selling alcohol to young

people. Residents are concerned about the impact of cuts on our local services .


I'm Sergeant Tim Hill and from the 1st of April, I'll be the Easton Neighbourhood Sergeant based at Trinity Road, taking over from Andy Whelpton. I'll be responsible for the day to day running of the Neighbourhood Team of Beat Man-agers and PCSO's delivering local policing services in your area. I've a wealth of experience in

Neighbourhood Policing, having spent 3 years leading a Team based at Fishponds. I'm looking forward to working with you and meeting many of you at local events such as the Neighbourhood Fo-rums where

I‟m Sergeant Andy Whelpton. After 3 years as the Easton Neighbourhood Sergeant, I'm mov-ing on to a neighbouring area, tak-ing over the Barton Hill team from Jon Ames. I would like to thank all those who have supported local policing efforts in Easton and look forward to my new role in Barton Hill from the 1st of April

Say goodbye and hello to your neighbourhood policing sergeants

Contact Farhan on [email protected] or 9036442.

You said, we did...

5 crack houses have been closed this year: three in Easton and two in Lawrence Hill.

Car crime significantly reduced in St Philips and The Dings following an arrest.

Thanks to you the Police and Bristol City Council have reclaimed 94 Twinnell House after class A drugs were found and arrests made at the ad-dress.

Your request for CCTV at Ducie Road car park was agreed and one local shop is facing legal action for fly-tipping

Officers have visited Armoury Square 192 times since November. 42 penalty notices were issued.

Work is continuing to make Bellevue Park cleaner and accessible to all. A new bin has been in-stalled.

Following resident action at the forums, Fox Road cycle path will no longer be diverted through the play area. See page 11 for details.

Community walkabouts have started around the Stapleton Road area and drop-ins for anyone concerned about the area (see page 15).

Goodbye

Jon Ames!

" I am very sorry to leave Barton Hill after over 7 years working with the community. I have made many friends and have enjoyed my time on the team. I am really happy that the com-munity feels much safer now and am proud to have played a part in that process."

Jon Ames is leaving the Bar-

ton Hill beat team for Fish-

ponds. Andy Whelpton will

take his place as Neighbour-

hood Policing Sergeant on 1

April 2011.

We’ll miss you!!

Thanks for all your

hard work.


Wonderful local woman wins Women Who Make a Difference Award

Local woman Joanna Bacon has won an award for her outstanding voluntary work for Women Who Make a Difference. The annual awards are the brainchild of Bristol City Council and coincide with International Women‟s Day. Jo was nominated for running Easton Families Project‟s community stay and play group „Childsplay‟, which she has led in her free time for two mornings each week for the last six years. She said: “I was surprised and delighted to receive a Women Who Make a Difference Award for my voluntary work at Easton Families Project. It was very special and humbling for my contribution to be recognised and to be in the presence of so many worthy women who give their time and talent to their communities in Bris-tol. I am really grateful to the people with whom I work; Toria Moore, Project Manager, who nominated me; and all those who have celebrated with me. My life is much richer for the experience! It has always struck me what a huge potential for good exists within the varied people who make Easton what it is. Working with parents, carers and their children within Easton Families Project is just a small part of enabling that to happen and I hope the award goes some way to raising the profile of this work and the many wonder-ful people who support, encourage and enable others”. Volunteer, Negat Hussein, was also nominated and received a certificate for leading Easton Families Pro-ject Arabic speaking women‟s group Sadaka.

Jo Bacon and Negat Hussein at the awards ceremony in March

Celebrating women at Hannah More

By Hannah Pepper, Parent Governor

International Women‟s Day was col-ourfully celebrated at Hannah More Primary School through an exciting collaborative arts day. With the help of local artist Grace Engel, the women of the school community produced a collection of sixty individual paintings and col-lages on eight inch square canvases. The women were briefed to create artworks which represented them-selves, their experiences, and their journeys, through images, stories and a wide range of colours, textures and materials. The beautiful, elaborate and eclectic works demonstrate the rich and diverse cultural backgrounds on which the Hannah More school community draws, and the creativity of women‟s collaboration. The sixty canvases will be assembled into two large collages. It is hoped that the artworks will be exhibited widely before they are perma-nently hung in the school‟s well used Community Room. The day was funded through a grant from Bristol City Council‟s Development Fund. You can see more of their collection on page 18.


End of tax year issues

You’ve been coming to see us about your housing benefit and council tax forms, which tell you how much you will need to pay

over the coming financial year. Remember that if you are on active bene-fits you may not need to pay anything: the council sends everyone a letter saying how much council tax is for the year, even if it is paid for you as a benefit entitlement. Have you received your census letter and don’t know how to fill it in? Come to the Shop and we’ll help you. The Neighbourhood Management Shop is based at 108 Church Road (The Old Bank)

On 8 February HRH The Princess Royal visited Barton Hill Settlement to launch the celebrations of the Settle-ment‟s centenary year.

The Royal Visit was the first of a year‟s programme of activities celebrating the work and people of the Barton Hill Settlement through the last hundred years as the organisa-tion looks forward to the challenges to come in the next hundred years.

During her visit Princess Anne unveiled a plaque and met staff, volunteers and local peo-ple who have been making a difference in their community.

Residents were delighted that she‟d come to see them and even admitted to being a little star-struck. Anna said “She really boosts you. I had a bit of a rough time after Christmas and she boosted my confidence. She seems a really nice lady. She gave me a cheeky little smile on the way down. It makes you feel quite proud”.

Ian O‟Shaughnessy agreed. “She makes you feel really at ease. I spoke to her myself about a couple of organisations”. It wasn‟t the only sur-

prise in store. “She‟s smaller than I thought she‟d be!” adds Anna.

Future centenary events will include a series of plays by local children, their parents and resi-dents telling „One Hundred Stories for One Hun-dred Years, June volunteer celebrations, the opening of the redeveloped Farmhouse building,

and a glittering civic reception at the end of the year.

Princess visits Barton Hill Settlement to mark start of centenary celebrations

Ian and Anna right royally happy after visit

Barton Hill Primary School children excited to see Princess

Junction 3 is close to residents’ art

As part of the Junction 3 Public Engagement Arts Programme artists Davis & Jones have in-vited local people to get involved in the develop-ment by sharing their interests and talents with

each other and the work-ers on-site. The first event saw peo-ple from the Single Parent Action Network (SPAN) perform „The Green Trian-gle,‟ a collection of short pieces inspired by the Junction 3 site.

„Make a builder happy this winter‟ involved local knitters making hats for construction workers welcoming them to Easton and keeping them cosy. At a hat giving event lo-cal knitters presented their handiwork to the somewhat surprised builders. Future events will take place over the course of the construction, and will include local people tak-ing music and food onto the building site. Davis & Jones are keen to hear from residents and organisations that would like to get involved. For further information visit http://junction3.wordpress.com/

Performing on site

Trinity Community Arts is looking for people to join the organisation as volunteer board members. It‟s an ex-citing, dynamic organisation formed to manage the Trinity Centre, delivering a range of activities including, arts and heritage projects, individual development through training and work placements, community events and hall provision and live music gigs. If you have skills in areas including finance, HR and experi-ence and understanding of the voluntary sector apply now.

Contact [email protected] or visit www.3ca.org.uk/about/get-involved/join-our-board


Open on Thursday‟s 12 till 5pm, Easton‟s Community Allotment is a social space for people who’d like to learn how to grow fruit and vegetables and enjoy some healthy exercise in the fresh air. Volunteer gardeners have been growing fruit, veg and herbs at Easton Community Allotment for nearly ten years. Following or-ganic principles, we compost, mulch, plant, hoe and harvest while making friends and drinking tea. Alongside the vegeta-ble beds we have a wildlife area, fruit trees, two ponds a compost loo and a shelter to sit and admire our work from. Each Thursday there is a coordinator who welcomes every-one and helps us choose what we‟d like to do. You will be equally welcome whether you are a be-ginner or a seasoned grower. Gardening is hungry work so at lunch time we share something to eat. You can bring something for the meal if you‟d like but you don‟t have to. At the

end of the day we share the harvest which at this time of year doesn‟t amount to much but by late Spring there will be plenty! No previous experi-ence is necessary - we learn from each other and bring books along when we‟re not sure about something. It‟s good to wear strong shoes and a waterproof jacket just in case. We open up whatever the weather. Recently we sat in the shelter with steaming cups of tea looking out at the snow covered garden but you don‟t have to come every week, just when you feel like it. There is no member-ship and decisions are made as we go along about what needs to be done so each volunteer can be involved as little or as much as they want. On your first visit you may like to just come and look around, have a cup of tea and a chat.

How to find us: Going towards Bath on

the Cycle Path turn off just before the bridge that crosses Rose Green Road. It is a tiny path between the bushes which leads onto Gordon Road. Walk up the road to a lane on your right between the houses numbered 58 and 60, we are through the green gate on the left. Alternatively, coming from Whitehall Road, turn left into Gordon Road at the lights and find the lane between Nos: 58 and 60 on your left opposite the Rose Green Centre, just before the road goes downhill.

Come for fun to our community allotment By Christina Crossingham

Grow your own at this beautiful community allotment

SHAME ON YOU! 14 long wooden poles have gone missing from Catch 22’s allotment at Beaufort Road, Strawberry Lane, St George. If you know anything about this please call Luis on 9556971 in confidence. And watch your own growing space...thieves are about.


Designs and decorators needed for neglected M32

By Simon Dilly

'Under the Motorway' invites all residents of Easton, Lawrence Hill and beyond to join us in adding just a touch of love to the space under the M32. Join us at Napier Road over the weekend of the 16th-17th April on either day from midday to paint, garden and decorate this neglected part of our community. There will be music and food on the day to keep busy bees buzzing away painting these enormous pillars a selection of beau-tiful pastel colours, trimming back overgrown greenery and hanging bunting. If you can volunteer your time to help organise the weekend, donate things like food or tools, or have any other ideas for the space or the weekend itself please get in touch. We also want local residents, busi-nesses and groups to create designs for the bottoms of the pillars; mes-sages to the community, loved ones, adverts, illustrations..... all ideas welcome.

Get in touch by email on [email protected] or call

me (Simon) on 07988654464.

Cotton Mill Lane garden

gets green light to sow

Residents of Cotton Mill Lane in Barton Hill have been cracking on with their work to make their green space a place of sowing, sitting and growing. Children and parents came out in force in February to get digging and planting in time for their April open day.

Supported by Easton and Law-rence Hill Neighbourhood Man-agement, Sovereign Housing and Barton Hill‟s Walled Garden pro-ject, residents have great plans for this previously disused space. The new design will include spaces for growing vegetables, fruit trees, herb patches, and flower beds, with seating and a children‟s play area.

Cycle path victory for Fox Road play area

“It‟s been good today because I‟ve been digging a lot and using the wheelbarrow. It‟s good because it helps me get stringer. When it‟s finished I‟ll use it. I like this place very much” - Ben talks about his work on Cotton Mill Lane green space, Barton Hill.

What changes

would you make

to the M32

areas above?

111

222

333

Residents of Fox Road are thrilled at the council‟s decision not to divert a cycle path through their playground. Cycle City had proposed to move the cycle path that cur-rently runs alongside the M32. Concerned residents first came to the neighbourhood forum to warn the council of the dangers fast travelling commuter cyclists might pose to local children. Cycle City have listened to

those concerns, and will now up-grade the cycle path but leave it in its original position. Fox Road residents are work-ing with Neighbourhood Manage-ment and Safer Bristol to up-grade the playground for local people to sit and play. It is part of an ongoing mission to make Fox Road clean, safe and free from prostitution and drug-dealing. More on Fox Road next issue...

Music and food included!

Dynay, age 11 “I liked making new friends, taking pictures from different perspectives, and the angles and effects. First we did a PowerPoint and then they gave us a camera and we went out in groups. I met Christena and Ria and some other people. It was quite scary at first because we did-n‟t know them but we talked to them more and we got used to them”.

Deka, age 10 About the project she says: “It was kind of scary at first be-cause you don‟t really know the person and they might be rude. Then I realised they were kind. We met year 6‟s at Cabot and took pictures of different cul-tures and people who believe different things like Sikhs”

Ria, age 11 “I really enjoyed doing the project be-cause when I go to secondary school it will help me build new relationships. I don‟t know how to make friends and mingle and this project has shown me how to. When I go out I wouldn‟t maybe talk to no one from Easton but now that I know them I‟m really confi-dent and I can make new friends. In secondary school I know how to make friends now that I‟ve met people from Millpond. Making new friends from Mill-pond is like finding an extinct flower. I‟m sad that I can‟t continue with the project because I miss my friends from Millpond. I hope someday that the wars between St Pauls and Easton can stop and we can become one big commu-nity and be friends”.

Salma, age 10 I liked meeting new friends and people to link with. I thought they were going to be rude and not listen to other people but when I met them they were really nice. Christena was funny and the best. Now I feel really sad to leave them because we might forget each other and we don‟t have a way to com-municate with each other”.


My New Friends art-

work page 12 and front page

by Nicole Lawson ©

Mateusz sees angels

Faisan and new friend

Sultan finds fun in the park

Leyla’s food

Ridwaan captured by aliens

dangerous and people give you poisoned sweets” thought another. By the end of the project pupils had changed their minds. “St Paul‟s is not as bad as I hear” says Hodon. Badisha says that it‟s looking pretty good for the other side “I think Easton has changed” and Faduma agrees things are different since meeting her new friends. “I think Easton is good now”. Following a successful premiere of their pho-tography exhibition in February, it is now on display at Millpond Primary School. If you‟d like to find out more about My New Friends contact Julie Perkins at Community Resolve on 0845 345 7461 or if you‟ve got thoughts to share about Easton and St Paul‟s contact Up Our Street.


My New Friends continued

A project that has helped thousands of young people is facing the axe after ten years hard work. Catch 22‟s East Bristol Youth Inclusion Project (YIP), based at Barton Hill Settlement, is the only multi-agency youth programme of its kind in the inner city, yet faces closure due to cuts. YIP receives £82,000 core funding annually from national Youth Justice Board, which is consider-ing which services will go in its wide-sweeping savings measures. It costs £100,000 per year for each child in a young offenders‟ institute. YIP works intensively with a core group of fifty young people each year deemed at risk of offend-ing and their families. Referrals come from the police, schools, parents and other Settlement ser-vices. Families receive intensive support, helped on a range of issues from challenging behaviour to benefits entitlement.

Yet YIP moves beyond the core, supporting children and their families across East Bristol with a diverse pro-gramme of eye-opening and challenging activities, particu-larly in the holidays when

children can be at a loss for what to do. Up Our Street spoke to YIP youngsters at their celebration event in February, to find out what they thought of the project, and what it would mean for them if it closes. Somer, age 16, thinks the project is a resounding success for local chil-dren. She said “It helps everybody to get along better. It helps people with their emotional side, if they have problems at home or school. It im-proves your skills about communicating with peo-

ple and knowing right from wrong. It‟s got a lot of people out of trouble with the police because there are lots of activities to do”. Her brother George, 14, stands eagerly at the football display. He‟s a proud member of the YIP 5-aside team. “We meet people and make friends and communicate well with each other”. Photos show the footballers playing at Ashton Gate and

watching an under 21 England squad at Old Trafford. Another 5-asider, Blake, 15, joins us. YIP is “something to do around the holi-days, and I‟ve been on lots of trips”. He des-

perately hopes that the project will be re-funded. “There‟s nothing to do around Barton Hill. If they go we can only play football at the Netham”. YIP may be forced to close at the end of March as we go to print. If you‟d like to support YIP go to onlinehttp://www.ipetitions.com/petition/saveeastbristolyip/

Meet the mentor...

Jed Atkinson met Annie Vanbeck in 2009 at a training event for YIP mentors. Attending children are able to suggest which mentors they‟d like to work with. Jed picked Annie. Annie says “We started hanging out in September. We‟ve been to London for the day, and to Bath, where we swam in the river on the way, and a million bike rides”. “London was fun” enthuses Jed. “I get to experience things I‟ve never done before. The other day we went to Glaston-bury Tor”. “One to one time is the most valuable part of the mentor-mentee relationship”, explains Annie. “It‟s nice that all the attention‟s on one person”. It‟s not all play and no work, as education is central to the mentor role. Annie helps Jed with his maths and science. “Then I reward him with bowls of chips” she laughs. Seri-ously, however, Annie adds that if her child was in need she‟d want quality mentor support. “It‟s part of being in an inclusive society, and everybody benefits”. She says that Jed‟s confidence has been hugely boosted. “He‟s really changed, he didn‟t use to be so chatty”. So will Jed become a mentor in the future? “I like the ex-periences” he says, “but I‟d probably want to do other things, like getting a job”.

Innovative East Bristol youth programme under threat of cuts closure


Win a free bike

The 20mph zone makes our streets safer for walking and cycling, therefore the „twenty is plenty for Bristol‟ campaign has teamed up with Evans Cycles to giveaway two free bikes.

1st

prize is a voucher to the value of £200 to spend in store 2

nd prize is a voucher to the value of £100 to spend in store

Five runners-up will receive a cycle jersey. For a chance to win a prize, complete the sentence below:

20 is plenty for Bristol because………………………………………………….................. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………............................................................................................................................................................................................................ To enter this competition please send your name, age and address and winning sentence to: 20 is Plenty campaign, Strategic Communications Department, NHS Bristol, South Plaza, Marlborough Street, Bristol, BS1 3NX.

Or alternatively, email [email protected] with your answer and details. The most interesting and innovative answers will be selected to win a prize.

Things we wish we didn’t see...

Snow can be fun...


This is the state of Stapleton Road‟s pavements

in places. Impossible for wheelchair users, tough

on little legs and a hazard for elderly citizens.

If uneven pavements are tripping you up let your

Neighbourhood Partnership know about it.

Contact [email protected]

Community policing event gives locals update on the death of Abdi Mohamoud

A prime suspect has been charged with the murder of Abdi Mohamoud, after being found by police in Spain. Following intensive work by Bristol CID to find him, he was successfully extradited after 14 days of legal procedures. Nothing further could be said to the audience due to possibility of this affecting the future trial. Abdi‟s family, including his mother, were present and were very appreciative of the sup-port they had received. Superintendent Moss thanked the commu-nity for their support throughout the investiga-tion. Residents attending the meeting were ap-preciative of the fact that their local police teams were keeping them informed. Some residents raised concerns regarding the media coverage of this murder compared to that of Jo Yeates.

Stapleton Road’s got a lot more to give

Stapleton Road is al-ready seeing some changes since it became the focus of the Neighbour-hood Partnership. Stapleton Road will soon have its own dedi-cated cleaning operative and new „dilly‟ route to keep the street swept every day, all day long. Look out for our new operatives and show them your support. The communal b in scheme is being rolled out from M32 to Old Market on 28 March as we go to print.

New working group

A new working group for Stapleton Road of local trad-ers, residents and agencies will coordinate and drive through improvements to the street and help to rebuild its damaged reputation. If you live or work on Stapleton Road or in the im-mediate streets surrounding it and would like to get involved call our Neighbourhood Manager Penny Ger-mon on 9039879 or email [email protected]

Ashley, Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Partnership

Stapleton Road Drop-In Do you have concerns about safety on Stapleton Road or surrounding streets? Is the area being looked after in the right way? Come and talk to staff from Bristol City Council, the Police, Safer Bristol and your local Neighbourhood Partnership. The drop in will take place on the following dates in April, May and June between 10.00 am and 12.00 pm.

Stapleton Road Congregational Church Newton Street entrance

8 April 6 and 20 May 3 and 17 June

Kensington Baptist Church

Seymour Road entrance 11 April

9 and 23 May 6 and 20 June

For more information or if you can‟t visit a drop-in but have something to say call Neil Burwell on 077 954 464 29

The roads are looking cleaner now communal bins are in place.


New build for old care home

Brunelcare‟s Saffron Homes, situated on the land between Devon Road, Prospect Place and Woodbine Road, have been home to hundreds of older people over the past four decades. Some of the buildings have been empty for some time as the facilities within them are below the standard Brunelcare believes is now accept-

able. The company are keen to invest in the area to provide world class care for older people. They have looked at adapting the buildings on

site to provide better accommodation but have determined that the best way ahead is

to build a new, energy efficient building. A planning application has been made for a sin-gle building encompassing 48 bedrooms in the ground floor, up to 15 flats for older people on the first floor, and space for the Head Office staff on a second floor. The improvement programme will take about 18 months and will start with the re-moval of the redundant buildings in March 2011. The proposed design was presented at a Neighbourhood Forum in January. Brunelcare is very happy to have more local meetings with their neighbours, to describe their intentions and dis-cuss what they and their contractors can do to minimise intrusion on your lives during the build-ing period. If you feel a local meeting would be worthwhile or would like further information on what is hap-pening, please contact Sam Taylor, Brunelcare‟s development manager, at [email protected] or call 0117 9144221.

New home for elderly people with dementia

Council owed garages may be sold to make way for new homes

Several garage sites in Easton and Lawrence Hill may be sold for redevelopment, as the coun-cil looks for new housing land. Bristol City Council can no longer afford to keep garages which are expensive to refurbish and maintain, but bring in little revenue. Where sites are being considered for develop-ment, surrounding residents and existing garage tenants will be informed of feasibility studies tak-ing place which will determine whether the site is right for homes. Feasibility can be a lengthy process, but if de-velopment is both possible and appropriate a local information event will give residents the chance to view proposals, comment, make any suggestions or express any concerns, before any Planning Application is made. The Garage Strategy team is currently consid-ering development at the sites at Abraham Close, Mill House, Baynton House and Kingsmarsh House, although it is still very early days. This is 'hot off the press' and they have yet to contact all of the surrounding residents and garage tenants at all sites.

Abraham Close Bates Close Field View Hathway Walk Highett Drive Mill House

Payne Drive Kingsmarsh & Baynton House Hassell Drive Hayes Close Rosevear

Garages up for grabs?

Sarah is a single mum of two living in a one bedroom high rise flat in Barton Hill. She has two children, Thomas, 6 and Anna, 4 who are sharing a bedroom. Sarah wants to move into a two bedroom house, but wants to stay in Barton Hill close to family and friends.

Sarah could bid for a new two bedroom house being built on the old Winstanley site, managed by social landlord Sovereign Hous-ing. She qualifies for the Affordable Rent scheme, also known as social rent. She is in on the housing register managed by Bristol City Council. An Affordable Rent home is one that is managed by the registered social landlord. Residents under this scheme have a long term tenancy agreement.

If you, like Sarah, are on the housing register and would like to move into one of the new two, three or four bedroom houses, con-tact Terry Black on 3170705.

Mr Abdi lives on his own in private accommodation. He‟d like to buy his own property and is saving for his deposit. He would like to buy a property in Barton Hill which is close to work, but is struggling to find the 25% deposit he needs to be able to get a mortgage.

Mr Abdi could apply for a „rent to home buy‟ two bedroom apartment on the Winstanley site. Rent to home buy (also called „intermediate rent‟) is where the home is owned and managed by a registered so-cial landlord, but there is an opportunity to buy the property. Rental prices are above that of social rent (Affordable Rent) but below that of private housing. It will give Mr Abdi the opportunity to save his wages to buy 50% of the property in the future, whilst living in his new home. Rent for the other 50% will be lower than private rental.

If you, like Mr Abdi, would like to move into one of the 9 two bedroom houses or 6 two-bedroom apartments, contact Sovereign New Build Home Buy marketing team on 0845 6021618 for more information.

Looking for a new home? Could these brand new Barton Hill homes be for you?


New to Barton Hill or simply don’t know your way around?

If you‟re new to Barton Hill and you‟d like to find out about anything local, help is at hand. Housing Champions are trained volunteers, who can give you simple local information or help you with more complex housing issues. Up Our Street met with Housing Champion Rachel to find out more.

Q What made you want to be a housing champion?

A I‟m starting to think about what career I want to do. As I

was experienced in moving homes I wanted to help others in the same situation. I‟ve lived in Barton Hill for eleven years and understand what it means to live in the flats and need to move to another home when they were demolished.

Q What can housing champions do to help people new to

the area?

A We can do loads! We did thirteen weeks training to be able

to offer informal, independent advice on housing issues. If you‟re new to the area I can show you where the local schools would be, the local crèches or the doctor‟s. When you move to an area no one tells you where the chip shop is or how to get into town. I can ring someone if they need help finding their way around, or if they get stuck.

Q What’s the best thing about being a housing champion?

A You know that you can be a mentor to people and help others in their own situations.

Q What’s the best thing about living in Barton Hill?

A Everything‟s communal, close and there‟s always someone to turn to in an environment that‟s

friendly. If elderly residents sit on the bench in the park they know that within ten minutes they‟ll see someone they know, someone to talk to.

Q If you could change one thing about Barton Hill, what would it be?

A I would like to see some of the businesses that used to be here, like the butchers, bakers, hair-

dressers or DIY store. The next butchers here is at Church Road and if you‟re elderly it‟s a long way to go. The people haven‟t faded away, but the businesses have. If you’d like to meet up with a housing champion call Maggie at Barton Hill Settlement on 955 6971.

Housing Champions like Rachel can give you vital local knowledge

Spotted any empty homes?

By Steve Lowe

At any time in Bristol, there are approximately 1,500 empty residential properties. These are a wasted resource at a time of increasing housing need. Bristol City Council‟s empty property team is working to encourage, assist and enable own-ers to bring empty properties back into use for residential accommodation. Where this does not prove to be successful, we have a range of enforcement measures, includ-ing compulsory purchase. We‟re getting results.

A large property in the heart of Easton, which had been empty and derelict for many years, has been the subject of a compulsory purchase order. As result, agreement has been reached with the owner and work is nearing completion to provide 3 units of accommodation as well as a shop premises. If you would like more information about the services on offer, or you want to report an empty property, go to the West of England website on www.privatehousinginformation or phone us on 0117 3533861


Scouting for the facts of firefighting

By Maureen Waller

On a snowy November evening the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts of the 128 St Gabriel's Scout Group braved the cold for a trip to our local fire station at Temple Back. Firefighters demonstrated how

they can be ready for an emergency in seconds when they dress, slide down the firefighters' pole and into their fire engines. The troop were allowed onto the engine to see harnesses and breathing apparatus attached to the seats for firefighters to put on while the engine races through the streets of the city with lights flashing and sirens sounding. While the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts were be-ing shown the inside of the fire engine there was a shout!! a phone call to alert the firemen that there was a fire in Bristol that needed attention. They were so excited seeing the firemen slid-ing down the poles, putting their feet in the await-ing boots and attached overalls and donning their helmets and jackets. Off the two fire engines went to put out the fire. Children were shown into the firefighters' sleep-

ing quarters for those on night shift and a well equipped gym where they work out for an hour a day. Firefighters‟ fitness is regularly tested to check that they are always in good shape. They have their own bathroom and laundry and a dining room where they take it in turns to cook: roast beef and Yorkshire pudding was on tonight's menu. If your child would like to join us to see the fire-men putting out a fire in the summer or for any of our fun activities contact Jayne on 07906 004873.

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts at Hollywood Bowl

Save your vouchers

We are appealing to our friends in Easton to SAVE their Sainsburys and Tesco Vouch-ers which help us to buy educa-tional, games, and craft and camping equipment. You can put them in our letter box on the gate of our HQ or post them to: 128th Scout Group, Woodborough Street, Easton Bristol, BS5 0JA

A working smoke alarm might just save your life

Tips on staying safe:

Never leave cooking unattended

Never overload plug sockets

Make sure candles are placed in the correct holders, away from furnishings

Make sure everyone in your home knows the escape route from your house, and where the keys for windows and doors are kept

If you smoke, always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished after use and never drop a used cigarette into a waste paper bin

Before you go to bed at night:

make sure all electrical items which don‟t need to be kept on are switched off, close all doors to prevent the spread of fire keep door and window keys within easy reach

Avon Fire & Rescue Service carries out Home Fire Safety Visits, where firefighters visit homes to talk to you about

fire safety, completely free of charge.

They will also fit free smoke detectors if required.To find out more about Home Fire

Safety Visits call 9262061 or

for more fire safety advice

visit www.avonfire.gov.uk and go to the „your safety‟ pages.

More art from Hannah More International Women’s Day (story page 8)


Regular meetings for you to join Phoenix52 Community Arts Project Get involved in local arts projects. Visit http://www.phoenix52.co.uk Housing Solutions (Tenant Management Organisation) Find out what your TMO can do for you. [email protected] Church Road Action Group Improving Church Road for all. [email protected] Bristol City Council Central Housing Forum [email protected] Planning Solutions Local planning discussions and action [email protected] Easton Energy Group Get involved with local energy projects [email protected] Old Market Community Association Improving Old Market for all. http://sites.google.com/site/oldmarketfuture/ Friends of Netham Park See page 4.

Have you heard?

The Community at Heart En-dowment Fund is now open for applications!

Are a group based in, or a resident of, the for-mer New Deal for Communities area (Barton Hill, Dings and parts of Redfield and Lawrence Hill) and Newtown?

Then we got good news for you!

We have grants of up to £1000 for groups and

£300 for individuals You must meet at least one of the following criteria to enter a successful application.

Group criteria:

Connected with and / or meets the needs of the community e.g. costs towards equipment, work-shop fees or towards a local event

Contribution to rent costs (relative to activities/ service delivery)

Activities that support community activity Activities that promote the outcomes: be healthy,

stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution or achieve economic

wellbeing Improving the local environment

Resident criteria:

The grant is connected with, and/or meets the needs of the community Improves your health Furthers your education e.g. course fees or

books not travel costs Improves the local environment Furthers your career e.g. additional training Purchase of equipment e.g. towards cost of sec-

ond hand bicycle/ reconditioned desktop com-puter

The deadline is Wednesday 4th

May with

decisions being made by June 2011. For an application form contact Alice Meason on 0117 9897700 or visit www.quatetcf.org.uk or write to:

Quartet, Royal Oak House Royal Oak Avenue,

Bristol BS1 4GB

Easton Arts Trail is back!

On the weekend of 18 & 19 June 2011, Easton will be putting on a show! Local painters, photographers, sculpters, craftspeople and artists of all kinds will ex-hibit their work in their homes and local venues, and there will be music, perform-ance and activities for all ages, in and out-doors. Everyone is invited to come and ex-perience the sights, sounds and imagina-tion of this unique neighbourhood and its famously creative community. Plus the fabulous Front Garden Competition will make Easton look even more colourful than usual, as green-fingered residents glam up their front yards in a garden con-test like no other!

www.eastonartstrail.co.uk [email protected]


Barton Hill History Group

Would you like to know more about the history of your area? If so why not come along to the Barton Hill History Group. We meet the third Wednesday of each month at:

Barton Hill Settlement, Ducie Road 7.30pm to 9.30pm

Admission £2

The evening usually includes a talk and slides with an East Bristol theme.

For further details ring Pauline on 9670588 e.mail [email protected] or website www.bhhg.co.uk

BRISTOL &

WEST

ATHLETIC

CLUB

RECRUITING

LOCALLY

Many local residents will have seen the new ath-letics arena being built off Johnson‟s Lane, White-hall. Now it is finished Bristol & West Athletics Club are using it to hold recreational running sessions from 7 pm every Monday with a view to helping

novice runners prepare for major local events such as the Bristol 10k and Bristol Half-Marathon or simply just to get fit. The club is also holding young athlete sessions on a Wednesday night (6.15 to 7.15 pm for school years 4 to 6 and 7.15 to 8.15 pm for school year 7 and above) in partnership with local schools and City Academy. If you are interested in finding out more about opportunities for adults or young athletes please contact the Club‟s Development Adviser at

[email protected] or visit

www.bristolandwestac.org.uk

What can Women in East Bristol do? Women‟s Institute (WI) Greenbank started in August 2008 with the coming to-gether of women that had been meeting in smaller groups throughout Easton and St Werburghs. They wanted to extend the support and friendship these groups gave to a wider circle, following in the footsteps of mothers and grandmothers to form W.I. Greenbank. Meetings have included many different subjects such

as food for free, female resis-tance in the second world war, wine tasting, felt making, healthy treat food and writing poetry to name a few. There are also social meetings for clothes swapping, sharing food and partying. If you are interested in see-ing who WI are and what they get up to join them for a meeting or two. If you like it join us as a member. Meetings are on the first Monday of each month at St Anne‟s Church, St Leonard‟s Road, at 7.45pm.

Forthcoming W.I. Meetings

7th March: With relevance to International Women‟s Day we have a speaker from „Breathing Fire‟ Bristol Black Women‟s Playback Theatre Company. 4th April: Chocolate Tasting/Making 2nd May: No meeting- informal picnic 6th June: 1st Aid by St John‟s Ambulance & Book Swap

Bellydancing EASTON

Mondays 7-8pm @ the Greenbank Pub function room. Beginner level term 2 -

knowledge of basic posture and moves required.

Contact Stephi* on 0770 9433643 or [email protected]

for further information. www.sjb-bellydanceinbristol.co.uk

*also available for ad-hoc workshops & 121 tuition.

Barton Hill Pilates Class

Relax, improve posture, strengthen your back, tone up and make new friends. In small, suppor-tive groups. Interested in a class in Easton?

Call Joyce on 9024603 or visit Www.walktallpilates.co.uk

Contact us

Neighbourhood Management Shop

Mandy and Mubarig - 0117 353 2020 [email protected]

[email protected]

Tracy Parsons

Office and Finance Manager

0117 903 9975

[email protected]

Francois Jensen

Neighbourhood Facilitator

0117 377 3640

[email protected]

Sorrel Parsons

Communications Officer

0117 377 3638

[email protected]

Penny Germon

Neighbourhood Manager

0117 903 9879

[email protected]

Easton and Lawrence Hill

Neighbourhood Management

The Old Bank

108 Church Road

Redfield, Bristol, BS5 9LJ

Check out our website www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

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SEND US A TEXT ON 07903089002

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news from your neighbourhood?

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our mailing lists

All completed forms will be entered into a prize draw. Please send your forms to us by 28 April 2011

What do you think of Up Our Street? Questionnaire 2011

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To: Neighbourhood Management team The Old Bank 108 Church Road Bristol BS5 9LJ

Up Our Street April to June 2011

Documents

Transcript of Up Our Street April to June 2011