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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
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| (GS) |
What a great success the Community Celebration day was on the 20th September! We had over six hundred people through our doors during the day and evening.
Everyone was up dancing to the tea dance. The Jazz band kept us all swinging, whilst a barbecue and bar filled our other needs.
The family afternoon of clowns, circus skills, crafts etc was great fun and the party in the evening was a wonderful climax to the day.
We have learnt a lot from all the people who attended : they told us what they would like to see happening in the Centre and how they saw the problems of our area.
The Community Centre is setting up a social committee to keep similar events going. We are also looking into offering other group and club activities, so we will let you know soon.
Any ideas? - let us know. Want to help? - please call me on 9683144.
And thanks to everyone for all the effort.
| (Liz Wagstaff) |
Names: Jane & Gordon Macfarlane
Attendance: 10 yrs full-time regular attendance. No unauthorised absences.
Classes taken: Planning/organisation and completion of Flower Show.
Curriculum areas: Linguistic and communication skills, mathematical development, ICT, Data handling, Science, Rural science, Domestic science, Expressive Arts.
GNVQ in - General cleaning, stage management, audio equipment, begging, borrowing etc.
Results: Continued improvement and progress. Community united & involved and a good time had by all.
Awards: Gift in recognition of work done, & grateful thanks of community.
Overall assessment: Excellent, level 20.
Head Teacher's comment: Well done! You have made excellent progress and Sea Mills is proud of you. You have both been an asset and inspiration to the community and we hope your retirement from this project will mean an enjoyable rest. Who knows, you may discover a new hobby. It's been a privilege to be involved.
| (VB) |
The A.G.M. of the Project took place on Friday October 25th at St. Edyth's Church Centre. No new directors had put themselves forward, but the current retiring directors were good enough to allow themselves to be re-elected for another year. After the usual business was over discussion took place on a range of local issues.
The alterations to Shirehampton Road through Sea Mills Square came in for criticism by some and were warmly commended by others! One resident felt that this whole project was a blot on the landscape; the black humps reminded others of German helmets! However, another resident was finding it easier and safer to cross the road now. The meeting was reminded that the road alterations had been carried out to make crossing the Square safer for children on the way to school.
The meeting also discussed the problem of difficult neighbours and their children, and the policies Bristol have adopted to deal with this issue. This generated a lot of discussion.
Huge lorries parked on pavements in certain roads around Sea Mills were also a real problem, damaging pavements and causing people to have to walk in the road.
| (GS) |
You won't tell my mum will you?'
No! At the surgery we have been telling teenagers that they can discuss things with the nurses, doctors or receptionists and that it will stay confidential.
Even if they are under 16 we are promising not to say anything to anyone - including parents, other family members, care workers or teachers - without their permission.
The only reason we might have to consider passing on confidential information without their permission would be to protect them or someone else from serious harm, but we would always want to discuss that with them first.
Some useful numbers for young people:- Off the Record (free counselling service for young people) 9279120. Brook Young People's Clinic 9290090. Quitline (support and advice on how to stop smoking) 0800 1690169. Eating Disorders Association Youth Line 0845 6347650. FRANK (24 hr free and confidential drugs information) 0800 776600.
Maybe you have views on this? Why not write and let us know them?
| (MMcG) |
One of our Project Directors, Abby Frary, is very active in the Sea Mills and Coombe Dingle Community Project. However she wears yet another hat as a local Neighbourhood Watch Representative having started up the scheme herself a few years ago. The following extract is taken from an Avon & Somerset Police Force Neighbourhood Watch Award citation for Best New Scheme:
'Abby lives in an area where the conduct of local youths and children is a growing cause for concern… Residents were intimidated and afraid to report incidents… Vehicles were vandalised, and criminal damage regularly caused to the local church, school and doctors' surgery. Windows were broken, graffiti sprayed on buildings, and on occasions the doctors' surgery fell under siege - patients and staff were spat at… they often had to be escorted from the building. The doctors themselves were wary of being alone in their building as fires were started and roofs damaged. Racial abuse was daily directed at residents going about their business.
Abby was determined to regain some quality of life for residents. With what at times was a very lively meeting, the Neighbourhood Watch was born. Residents encouraged by Abby's persistence are now more willing to give statements to the police, and this has played a large part in enabling eviction orders to be served on 4 local families. In a short space of time the quality of life of residents is beginning to be restored. For her selfless work in trying to improve the quality of life for her local community Abby was presented with this award.'
The award was presented at Police Headquarters by Assistant Chief Constable Steve Otter and received by Wendy Hull, our local Neighbourhood Watch Administrator (also until recently one of our Project Directors) on behalf of Abby, who was unfortunately unable to attend the ceremony.
Harold's love of animals led him into trouble with the rest of the family. On a trip to Torquay the dog wanted to chase sea gulls - fine until he tried running on a patch of floating seaweed. The journey home with a wet long-haired dog was a bit smelly.
Harold took in a dog when the owners could no longer look after it. Why they wanted to get rid of it soon became clear - it had been ill-treated and showed a vicious streak.
The vet said the dog's brain had been damaged and advised him to have it put down. Harold wasn't popular with the children, or with his wife because he paid the bill with the Rates money.
Gardening was one of his hobbies; just as well as he had a very large garden, most of which he used for growing vegetables. Each year he had a delivery of horse manure. This was duly spread but you couldn't forget the manure as the dogs loved to roll in it.
At the time they moved into the house he had found a rotovator left by the previous owner. He spent days sharpening blades and overhauling the engine. The day came when the family were assembled to watch him use the machine. It started, and the abiding memory is of him running, legs like pistons, behind the rotovator & being dragged along. No-one knew how to stop it but the nearest hedge proved the answer. Needless to say he sold it but his sense of humour made him laugh with the rest of the family.
One of his greatest pleasures was a pint and chat at the pub. He didn't drink to excess - in fact I can only remember him once having more than two pints.
He didn't like snobs. He used to say that when he went to the bar his £1 would buy just as much beer as the £1 of the person next to him.
| (MV) |
Some months ago I wrote in the parish magazine about the Sea Mills of my youth. The magazine travels far & wide and I had a pleasant letter from Mr Mervyn Hudson, a mere 74 yrs young. He lived at 2 Failand Wk & reminded me of Mr House, a tiny bald jovial man who ran a Boys Club from the Tin Tabernacle in Canford Lane and a successful football team for many years. Also the Manley family who ran the Boys Brigade at the chapel on the Square.
Mervyn was allowed to help his father stoke the church boiler occasionally. He also delivered newspapers for a Mr Pomphrey of Groveleaze (we were spoiled for employment when it came to papers for we could either deliver for Mr Pomphrey or Mr Jones at the harbour or for Mr Williams down the dip).
Due to his education at Sunday School in A M P Wilson's time and confirmation classes under Canon Bennett he and his wife are still active in the church of St Mary's, Plimpton, in glorious Devon. He would like to hear from anyone who remembers him from those old days.
If you're interested I or Betty Lockhart can give you his address.
| (I K Dubber) |
The letter in issue #12 from A J Moore describes his disgust of the Sea Mills Squ fiasco with which I agree wholeheartedly.
However, the driving test stipulates the speed limit in any street with lamp posts, or in any built up area, both of which apply to Shirehampton Rd, should be 30 mph, not 40 mph as he quotes. Also to criticize the 'local speed clowns' and then to admit he found it exciting going through the Square at 60mph seems ludicrous and could have had disastrous consequences.
I suggest the Council should get rid of the island with lumps of concrete and spend taxpayers' money on speed cameras and a pelican crossing, which would be a safer option. Perhaps Mr Moore would then think twice about breaking the speed limit.
| (J Evans) |
I would like to thank Jane and Gordon and their committee for all their hard work and enthusiasm for re-starting our Flower Show and then organising it for the past ten years. It must have meant tremendous work & effort to ensure it all ran smoothly.
It was an event people looked forward to and encouraged both young and old to take part in different sections of the Show.
I am sure this event will be sadly missed.
| (Gladys Watkins) |
I write concerning the speed of traffic in Westbury Lane. The curve on the hill starts either end: from Shirehampton Rd all downhill, and from Sylvan Way junctions at which traffic has had to slow down. But by the time it reaches the Hallen Drive junction chaos and speed reign. I often collect my grandchildren from school and feel frightened taking them across Westbury Lane, even when the brave lollipop lady is there. Many elderly & disabled folk need to cross here, often in electric wheel chairs.
I strongly suggest this junction needs a pelican crossing with lights and a 20mph limit or other calming (not cameras!) to restore common sense and good manners before someone is injured or killed.
| (Ruth O'Connell) |
PS I have lived here for a year and feel warmly welcome in this community. Thank you.
Infant & Junior Sch Xmas Fayre + SureStart Open Day 29 Nov 11-2pm, Infant School, Hallen Drive
Scouts Xmas Fair 29 Nov 2pm, Scout Hut, Woodleaze
Project Open Meetings to be announced next issue
SureStart Kingsweston has taken another step forward with the launch of a new legal advice service for people caring for children of 0-4yrs. The service, delivered by North Bristol Advice Centre (NBAC), will cover issues including problems with welfare benefits, housing, debt and employment.
Liz Freeman, advice worker with NBAC said, 'We are delighted that SureStart have been able to support this service. Bringing up young children can be stressful enough, but it's also a time when money can be a real struggle. We are here to make sure people are getting all the money they are entitled to, especially since the start of the new Tax Credits. We want to make the service as flexible as possible, so we can arrange to see a family when it is convenient to them. To be able to use the service people only have to be caring for a child aged 0-4. All advice is independent, confidential and free'.
If you'd like to book a time to see an advisor from North Bristol Advice Centre you can call 9515751. For people without children aged 0-4, NBAC also have an advice session every Thursday morning at Ridingleaze House, Ridingleaze, Lawrence Weston. Appointments can be booked using the 9515751 no.
A new social committee is arranging a social event for Valentines Night 2004 at Sea Mills Community Centre - details to follow. We are looking for lots of help and for as many people to attend as possible!
Here are a few tips from Lawrence Billi who is Crime Reduction Officer for our area.
| (GS) |
Helpers are needed for a stroke swimming group who meet Saturday mornings from 10-11am at Filton Leisure Centre.
We are helping swimmers to be independent and safe in the water and helpers are required to go into the pool and stay with the swimmers. Helpers need not come every week. If you are interested please contact Elizabeth Humphries at 66 Grove Road Coombe Dingle BS9 2RS Tel: 9681274
As 2003 draws to a close we have time to reflect on a successful and satisfying year at the Library. This year has seen us provide more activities than ever before to the wider community with over 200 places offered at events throughout the year for adults and children.
Partnership working has also become a feature of library life in 2003. Regular visits from Sea Mills Infants, Kingsweston School and Sea Mills Out of School Club have enhanced reader development and library awareness in the locality.
Curriculum supported activities such as Diwali have also helped to bridge the link between information support in school and information provision available at the library. This is an area we hope to further develop in 2004.
SureStart funding helped under 5s receive a new range of stock plus child friendly furnishings and books on tape. We maintain a consistent approach in this area by adding to stock and through storytime sessions on Thursday mornings 11.45-12.15 with all welcome to attend.
I.T. sessions via library staff and community education have enabled local people to enjoy the delights of e-mail and the internet with many carrying on to adult education courses and formal qualifications. Other achievements include three staff qualifications being gained in I.T. and management, two productive work experience placements, a B.C.C. recruitment day and successful funding bids for stock and junior provision. With these successes in mind we are looking to build on 2003 and make 2004 an even better year. So we're asking for your help; is there any part of our service you'd like to see improved? Did you enjoy a particular event and would like to see more at Sea Mills Library? Do you have ideas for an event or activity we could try? If so jot them down and pop them in to us.
So a heartfelt thankyou to everyone for your continued support and to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year on behalf of myself, Rose, Sandra, Mary and Maxine.
| (Shulah Jones) |
Members of Parliament Doug Naysmith MP, Bristol North West, 0117 9502385. Valerie Davey MP, Bristol West, 0117 9077464 Ring for an appointment (walk-in or telephone).
Local Councillors John Bees, Kingsweston Ward 0117 9684661. Judith Price, Kingsweston Ward 0117 79678401 Surgeries held at Lawrence Weston Library 10-12noon 4th Saturday in every month except December.
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Comments? Feedback? Let me know what you think. This page last updated: 6 February 2006 Copyright © 2006 Sea Mills & Coombe Dingle Community Project. You are welcome to create a link to this page or to print it for your personal use, but if you would like to use some or all of the content in any other way, please contact me first. |