The final public meeting of the Sea Mills & Coombe Dingle Community Project will be on Tuesday 4 November at St Edyths, starting at 7:30 pm.
Community Voice
No. 6
Summer 2001
Contents
Next issue of Community Voice - Autumn 2001. Contributions by end Sept via Library plus your contact number please. Or use website: http://www.smacdcp.fsnet.co.uk or email: paul@hazelden.org.uk Thanks.
Youth Action Takes Off!
- Local youth leaders have started meetings with the Community Project to share
information. They recognise that good-hearted young people play a big role in
determining how our neighbourhood will be in five or ten years time.
You didn't need to be particularly eagle-eyed to see the
welcome clear up that suddenly occurred around Sea Mills
Community Centre some weeks ago. Was a VIP visiting?
Was it the work of a government task force? Would
somebody be sending the bill?
Fortunately it was none of these dreaded possibilities, but simply a group of community-minded youngsters who had their own ideas about what action was needed in their locality. Saturday June 9th was the target day. The youngsters had decided it was important to do the work before the proposed new fencing was scheduled to be erected.
On the day, between ten and twenty young people turned up to clear concrete posts, tons of rubbish, cut weeds and grass, paint a wall that had suffered from all-too offensive graffiti, and generally 'work their socks off' all day long.
'We had a great time and did something for the community,' said Gemma Gale, one of the young people involved.
Thanks go to Alan Cox of Bristol's Cleansing Dept for providing skip, gloves and bin bags, and to Mr & Mrs Gale for keeping an eye.
Members of SM&CD Community Project visited at various times on the day to 'lend encouragement', although it was clearly not needed!
Last, but certainly not least, local youth worker Sharon Blake earns our gratitude for stepping in to supervise and ensure health & safety throughout. She's also been working with local young people to help them discuss issues, get involved in local action and help 'bridge the gaps' that inevitably grow between age-groups.
| (GS/TW) |
Blaise Castle Dance Day
Do you know how to 'promenade'? The pupils of Sea Mills Junior School did it in fine style when they took part in a schools' day of dance at Blaise Castle on Sunday 13th May, attended by over forty schools from around the region.
Weeks of practice at school made them all experts at the 'dos à dos' and the 'right hand turn', and so, sporting their yellow, black and white outfits they did themselves & the school proud. Even Head teacher Mr Caskie joined Mrs Gransden and Ms Willows in the 'Fish and Chips' dance! Congratulations to everyone who performed.
| (VB) |
Park Bench With a View
- Kevin also gave us the good news that
reported crime for Sea Mills in Mayijune
was 0%. Consequently, as there was nothing
for your crime reporter to scribble down
we went on to talk about other things,
such as Kevin's intention to patrol our area
by bike so as to be around (like in the good
old days) rather than sitting in a car.
Q: Will the powers-that-be let you do this?
A: As I am beat manager I have discretion in how patrolling is managed.
- One other piece of good news: Kevin wants to revive the periodic 'surgeries' at Sea Mills Library. Keep an eye on the noticeboard there for confirmation.
Local young people can help build new park benches at Three-Acre Covert (off the bottom of Sylvan Way). Dates set aside for this are August I5 and I6.
Kevin Thatcher, our new beat officer is taking up the mantle of Martin Tripp (see Spring 2001 issue) who unfortunately wasn't able to continue in post.
Kevin tells us he has got all materials for the benches and has bought himself some nails and a new hammer!
All he wants now are local youngsters to ring him on 945 4369 if they want to be a chippy for a weekend. Training, tea breaks and games all included!
Note to parents: do support your young people in this: Avonmouth Police Station front office will be manned from 8am to 8pm from early August, so you should be able to get through. Kevin would like to have settled his 'workforce' by 10 Aug.
| (TW) |
Sea Mills & Coombe Dingle Go Digital
- enable local people to exchange items of news,
- tell people about what's happening locally, and
- help locate email addresses for local groups.
- a calendar of events in and around Seam Mills & Coombe Dingle,
- back issues of The Community Voice,
- directory of local groups and organisations,
- background information about local groups,
- a local Who's Who,
- local links, and
- articles and letters.
The Community Project has a web site - that's the easy part. To find it follow one of the links from bristol-online or go direct to: http://www.smacdcp.fsnet.co.uk. The site is up and running, maintained by one of the Community Project's steering group. But how useful it is will depend on you!
If you want to publicise a meeting or event, or tell people about fund-raising activities, or let people know about your group - let us know first; the more useful local information there is on the site the more people will visit it and be part of what's going on.
The purpose of the web site (and the Community Project in general) is to help build the local community and improve the lives of people in our area. The web site can contribute in a number of ways-perhaps you can think of some more? We can...
We would like the site to include a number of items of general interest to people in the area. For example...
Some of this is already online, other parts need your contributions. If you have any ideas about what the site could contain or material you would like added to the site, please let us know.
The easiest way to contact us is via the form on the web site or by email to: paul@hazelden.org.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.
| Paul & Sue Hazelden |
Getting Into Bed With Our Partners
Our Community Project has always intended to work with other bodies. Recently we had a first meeting with some partner agencies, who 'signed up' to a plan to work together. The Partnership will be a way of adding to our own resources to make things happen, but just as importantly to ensure we all work towards common goals.
The partners we're talking about are the British Trust for Community Volunteers, Neighbourhood & Housing Services, the Health Trust, Community Development, Libraries and the Police. We'll draw in more as we refine the Partnership.
Some of the things we can make happen through partnership could be environment improvements, better Summer activities, and more youth work (which will mesh in with our young people's youth forum). All the partners want to improve the quality of life in our area, and with their help we can really make a difference. Already local people are joining in; young parents are getting involved in looking at better play provision.
Things can only get better!
| (TW) |
Be Involved!
Sea Mills & District Flower Show offers plenty of opportunity to be involved. Entry classes range from vegetables and flowers to cookery, handicrafts, photography, home-made jams and wines.
This year there are thirty junior classes, many of which could be prepared or practised over the long summer holiday. Everyone should be able to enter something to make this year's Show a success.
Get the programme from Sea Mills or Stoke Bishop Hardware, 31 St Edyths Road, 5 Westbury Lane, or Sea Mills Library.
A unique feature this year is the chance for visitors themselves to judge the flower displays. Also on offer are three great bands plus children's entertainment from Uncle Bryan and refreshments. With lots of exhibits, like the Bristol Fuchsia Society, Carrington Horticultural College, and the local scouts there's plenty to see.
Put the date on your ACTION board - Saturday 8th September, 1-5pm. Venue: a new-look Community Centre (just behind Sea Mills Library). We look forward to seeing you there!
| (GM) |
Sea Mills Methodist Church Seventieth Anniversary
Every section within the Church and every organization which meets on our premises on a regular basis was asked to produce a display depicting their purpose and activities.
The result was spectacular.
Every alcove and every table in the Church contained flowers, photos and other memorabilia in assorted colours and all tastefully arranged.
The floral arrangements (also in various colours) were beautiful and their perfume, especially the stocks and roses, was pleasant as one entered the building.
Everyone who visited found much to interest them. The Saturday Concert was brilliant and played to a packed Church.
| (Phyllis Truman) |
Alcohol Concerns?
- How often do you have a drink
containing alcohol?
(0.0) Never,
(0.5) Monthly or less,
(1.0) Two to four times a month,
(1.5) Two to three times a week,
(2.0) Four or more times a week. - How many drinks containing alcohol
do you have on a typical day when you are
drinking?
(0.0) One or two,
(0.5) Three or four,
(1.0) Five or six,
(1.5) Seven to nine,
(2.0) Ten or more. - Have people annoyed you by
criticizing your drinking?
(0.0) No,
(1.0) Yes. - Have you ever felt bad or guilty about
your drinking?
(0.0) No,
(1.0) Yes. - Have you ever had a drink first thing
in the morning to steady your nerves or
get rid of a hangover?
(0.0) No,
(1.0) Yes.
Alcohol abuse is a bigger social problem than drug misuse.
A new report by Alcohol Concern, Alcohol on Everyone's Lips, says twice as many people are dependent on drink than on all other drugs put together, including prescription drugs.
It also claims that the problem costs the NHS £3 billion a year, equalling 12% of all spending on hospitals.
So have you got a problem? Try this SCREENING TEST FOR ALCOHOL ABUSE. (If you score more than 2.5 total you are drinking too much...)
If you or a relative do have a problem, seek help with your GP or try these options: Alcohol Advisory Centre, 14 Park Row 924 5855, or Alcoholics Anonymous, 926 5520 (24hr helpline 0700 0780 977)
| (MMcG) |
Childcare SOS: Help Is At Hand!
When I first moved to Sea Mills in 1999 what I most missed was an afferschool club for my younger children, both at Sea Mills Juniors. So when a questionnaire arrived from school to find Out how much interest there would be in setting up an out-of-school club I responded. Then I went to a meeting and although there weren't many there we were able to form the SOS Club committee - Sea Mills Out of School Club. That was March, since when we ve agreed our constitution, opened a bank account and applied for a grant from the New Opportunities Fund.
We're hoping to open in January 2002, offering affer school and holiday childcare for children at primary school. We're throwing a lifeline to parents who want to work or study, and to children who say "I'm bored" or "I don't know what to do."
There's still lots of work to do but we're not daunted by this. We'll be advertising later in the year for paid staff, but we'd welcome offers of help any time - from anyone who'd like to get involved in setting the Club up, or share a skill or hobby once we're running, or encourage us in some other way.
You can contact us by phoning our chairman Louise Baker, on 909 4298. And watch out for more information later in the year!
| (Sue Hazelden) |
'Memories'
One of my earliest memories is of
broken glass at Westbury CofE
school in Albert Place. The damage
was caused by bombing raids in 1940.
Because it was wartime we carried
gas masks in cardboard boxes slung
over the shoulder.
My father had dug out for and built an Anderson shelter in the garden - this was fitted out with timber framed bunk beds of black canvas. Because we were near Filton Aerodrome it was decided that it would be safer if my sister and I lived away from the city. We went to stay with a relative of our next-door neighbour at Chilcompton in Somerset. My parents stayed in Henleaze and both worked for the Fire Service. Father was a fireman based at Gloucester Road and mother worked on the switchboard at the office in the old Blind School in Henleaze.
Our new home was at a miner's cottage
with no internal facilities. No electricity,
water was outside in the wash-house. The
toilet was next to the wash-house but
there was no running water. I remember
the scrubbed wooden bench with the
hole in the middle!
We stayed until 1944 - I'll tell you more of the intervening period next time.
We're always keen to get 'Memories'. Do you have any wartime ones, or any pictures of Sea Mills in wartime? If so, please write to us c/o the Library.
| (MV) |
Letters
- Dear Sir
My son was a very happy contented baby. He walked at 7 months-a bright child and very loving. At 4 he started playgroup and thoroughly enjoyed himself.
At Infant school he began to change; he didn't settle and was very clingy, but by the Christmas his teacher said he was much happier and seemed ok.
In yr 1 he became difficult to cope with and his new teacher repeatedly said he misbehaved and wouldn't write; he was only happy playing, but couldn't sit still. He became more destructive at home. We tried to change his diet and get him asleep earlier but nothing worked.
In year 2 he was more difficult; always tired yet after 11pm his energy seemed end- less. He complained of boredom, toys soon broke, and his room was wrecked by ripped and drawn-on wall-paper. It was thought he might be happier in Junior school.
But there things got worse. After only 3 days came a phone call to say he had misbehaved - children had said they couldn't find their pens, pencil cases, glasses etc. The teacher asked my son who promptly found it all. He said he'd done it because he was bored. It didn't go down very well.
After child psychologists could find nothing wrong he was referred to a counsellor. By this time he was in 4th year juniors where he had a teacher whose attitude was 'every day is a fresh start.' He learned more in her class than any other. But in the 5th year he was being bullied. The school's attitude was 'well he's naughty anyway,' as if that made it ok.
By year 6 he was being suspended for up to two days at a time. He was agitated and aggressive at home, climbing out, kicking doors & windows, screaming, shouting and being abusive. I would literally have to sit on him to stop him going out. After 3 days at the senior school a teacher 'had a go at him' and we took him home. From then on we were back at 'stage 1' of the referral system: the slow train for getting help, but the express towards getting expelled.
In year 8 he was unwell, missing school or being late, getting suspensions and not allowed on school trips. A new education welfare officer was appalled at how things were and started getting him statemented. We were told of the symptoms of ADHD and these may as well have been describing our son. It sounds terrible to say we were relieved, but we had spent 7 years trying to tell people and feeling that maybe it was our fault.
When he was put on Bitalin he was calmer, happier, more like the little boy I had before he went to school. By now he was in year 9 and far behind in his studies, but a place was found for him in a unit for children with behavioural problems. He stopped the Ritalin after a year as it changed the way he was and slowed him down. He still can't put pen to paper, but the school don't pressure him and they concentrate on English, maths and recreational lessons.
As he has matured he gets better every day - he still has his moments, but then so do most teenagers. He sees the consequence of things now instead of being impulsive, and he rarely loses his temper.
I wish he could have been helped earlier; it is really stressful looking after a child with ADHD and you get little help, support or understanding. With more acceptance that it is a real and debilitating illness we parents would not feel so isolated.
(Mother of a son with ADHD.) Sorry we've had to shorten this letter but we felt it was too important not to publish - Eds.
- Dear Sir,
On a recent visit to Sea Mills Library it was a pleasant surprise to see that the area round the Community Centre had been cleaned up and the unattractive graffiti painted over. I understand that this work was done by a group of local youth. After all the bad press about young people it is good to see some of them do care about the area they live in.
(Sea Mills resident.)
Forthcoming Events
Forthcoming events in Sea Mills:
Playbus Sea Mills Rec, 23 Aug 1Oam-12.30, & 30 Aug 2pm-4.30
Flower Show Community Centre: Bigger-than-ever marquee! 8 Sept
Community Project AGM Commmunity Centre, 16 Oct 7.30
SM&CD Community Project Next Meeting
AGM, 7.30pm, Tues Oct 16, at Sea Mills Community Centre All welcome
As this issue of The Community Voice completes our 2nd year of operation the editors would like to thank the 40-odd people who help Mike & Diane Vincent distribute the 2,500 copies.
New delivery volunteers! If you want a bit of exercise, leave your name in the Community Voice box in the Library or e-mail us (address near bottom right).
Library Jottings
Shulah Jones is our new Senior Library Assistant. She comes from Monmouthshire where she was a Library Manager. In aiming to improve the Library service in Sea Mills Shulah welcomes ideas, comments and suggestions from users and local community groups to help create a full range of services in a safe and supportive environment.
Now the Library is 'back to normal' it's worth reminding ourselves of the opening times:
| MON | 9.30-1, 2-5.00 |
| TUES | 9.30-1, 2-5.00 |
| WED | Closed |
| THURS | 9.30-1, 2-7.00 |
| FRI | 9.30-1, 2-5.00 |
| SAT | 9.30-1, 2-5.00 |
Apart from video rental and internet access the Library currently runs FREE 'webwise' tutorials for all ages and abilities, so why not find out how to use the Internet and e-mail?
Can You Help?
The Library Committee (open to local readership) is looking for volunteers to come onboard and help with community issues for the library.
Its next meeting is 7pm Tuesday 11th September at Shirehampton Library. If you're interested please contact Shulah on 968 1532.
Portway Sports College
In June Portway School was awarded Sports College status. It can now become a beacon for community education and a place of true life-long learning for pupils, parents, staff and local communities, including Sea Mills.
Outdoor and adventure activities will give more opportunities to raise self-worth in local young people, and it's hoped an 'all-weather' multi-use games area with improved cricket and fitness facilities will be available to local community groups when not in school use.
The school is in partnership wiih youth and sports groups in plans to develop the playing fields down on the Portway. Readers will no doubt have seen the plans on display at the Library during Planning Consultation. If handled carefully, and with proper attention to traffic issues, it could well be an asset to Sea Mills in particular.
Park Events for this Summer
Dates for your diary - if you're looking for things to do over summer at our local parks...
31 July 10.30-3.3Opm Blaise Cricket Day. A day of expert coaching for boys and girls aged 8 - 14. £4. Booking and information 963 9174.
8 August 2-4pm Building nest boxes and bird feeders at Blaise Castle. Build a nest box for your garden or for a gift. Small charge for materials. Meet at Blaise House Museum. Information 963 9174.
13 August Noon-2pm Teddy Bears Picnic at Blaise Castle. Bring your teddy bear and picnic and join the Parks Rangers in various activities including games and storytelling. For children under 7 accompanied by a parent or carer.
22 August Noon - 4pm Blaise Family Activity Day - free. Join Parks Rangers for mask making, kite building, join in on a photo treasure hunt and a host of other activities. All children should be accompanied and bring a packed lunch. Information 963 9174.
There's more information at: www.bristol-city.gov.uk/events.
Bristol Playbus comes to Sea Mills again this Summer offering supervised play for children 0-12 years; under 8s please bring a parent/carer. The bus will be on Sea Mills Recreation Ground on: Thursday 23rd August 10-12.30, and Thursday 30th August 2-4.30.
| (VB) |
Sea Mills Boys & Girls Club
Activities this Summer include a 5-a-side football competition and a tennis championship. We'll have visits from the Young Bristol Road Show with its 'bouncy castle', and Friday night barbecues.
Congratulations to the under-16 5-a-side football team for reaching the semi-finals of a tournament held at The Beeches, Brislington.
Chris George has been picked for the English trials in Essex.
If you're interested in the club's annual holiday to Glenborrowdale, Scotland from 1st September - sorry, it's fully booked!
Goodbye to the Progress
The Progress pub in Westbury Lane is no more. After a major refit the Iron Bridge pub opens on the same site on July 9th. John Barras, part of Scottish and Newcastle Retail, who now run the pub told us they're 'keen to promote a community pub giving excellent value in the heart of the community.' A wide variety of drinks will be on sale, food served from 11am - 9.3Opm, and the big screen will still show major sporting events. The company also own the Cock o'the North opposite Waitrose and the White Hart in Brislingron.
| (GS) |
Reflexology: Putting a Step Back Into Your Life
We are all unique and the body has the ability to heal itself. The feet mirror the body as a whole and a reflexologist works with gentle thumb and finger pressure to 'energise' each reflex on the sole of the foot. The body is encouraged to restore and maintain its natural equilibrium and healing capabilities.
Reflexology is a recognised therapy that works well alongside conventional medicine, treating the body as a 'whole', not just the symptoms of the disease. It can bring relief to a wide range of conditions, strengthens the immune system, helps to alleviate tension and stress, it is safe, relaxing and balancing and is suitable for all ages.
For more information or if you would like to know more about the healing art of reflexology, please contact me.
| Jane Evans. 0117 908 2928 (home) 07779 218220 (mobile) |
Stop Press
Engineers are busy preparing a traffic-calming scheme for Sea Mills Square ready for public consultation. Look out for a leaflet drop in August asking for your views. The main aim of the work is to reduce traffic accidents, particularly to children.
Notes
Local History Group
A new local history group meets at the Community Centre Wednesdays 2-4pm; free membership; share memories of how things used to be.
Marking the Millennium
We're still looking for ideas. We had one reply from the last issue's request. Sea Mills can do better than that, surely? Here is another chance to come up with a bright idea or two. Perhaps you'd like to mark the Millennium and acknowledge the fiftieth year of the Queen's reign at the same time?