Hotwells and Cliftonwood Community Association – Newsletter June 2020

Home , Bristol city centre, Clifton Down (ward)

Welcome to the Bulletin for June – the third edition to be sent out during Lockdown. As before, this Bulletin contains local information you may find interesting and helpful. It also tries to give you information about opportunities to help or to find help within the community. While many ‘normal’ activities are no longer taking place, it also gives special mention to any local food businesses which are reinventing themselves in order to remain buoyant until Lockdown is over and they can re-open fully.

Your Community Association very much hope that you are managing to keep well. We wish our readers, their families, friends and neighbours the very best of health and strength to get through this time. We can be contacted at any time at [email protected] or on 01179291883

In this issue 1.Cumberland Basin Stakeholder Group ...... 2 2.Clifton, Clifton Down and Hotwells & Harbourisde Neighbourhood Forum...... 2 3.Improving walking and cycling in Bristol...... 2 4. HCCA and the 500 Club...... 2 5. A Special thank you to Anna Wilson from HCCA ...... 3 6. Piazza Update ...... 4 7.News from Jacob Wells Road : ...... 5 8. Hotwells Waterfront Gardens ...... 5 9. Business in the Community initiative ...... 7 10.Ashton Court Newsletter from Bristol Civic Society ...... 7 11.We are the Curious – activities during lockdown ...... 7 12. Bristol Police speeding alert message ...... 7 13. Latest Coronavirus update from the Council ...... 7 14.Bristol Food Union ...... 8 15.Food Bank News- Pooles Wharf ...... 8 16. Help Needed with a Research Project ...... 8 17.Local Businesses in need of your support during the crisis...... 8 18. Updates on Theatre and film in the city ...... 11 19. P.S! ...... 11

1.Cumberland Basin Stakeholder Group We mentioned in the last newsletter that the Group had written to the Mayor. We have now had his response which can be read on https://www.hotwellscliftonwood.org.uk We are considering how best to prepare for any consultation/engagement initiatives that may be coming up in the not too distant future. If you have any suggestions please get in touch with us via [email protected] We are trying to get more information on exactly what is and is not happening in the meanwhile and will let you know as soon as we know.

2.Clifton, Clifton Down and Hotwells & Harbourisde Neighbourhood Forum. The next Forum was due to take place on June 22nd but this has been cancelled due to current circumstances. This meeting is now scheduled for October 5th at the Pavilion. Obviously we are hoping that this will take place. If there are issues you feel could be usefully raised here do get in touch via [email protected] as Dennis, our Chairman, is also co-chair of the Forum.

3.Improving walking and cycling in Bristol. You will all have seen the news, no doubt, that the Mayor wants to implement improvements to walking and cycling in Bristol and has some early quick schemes in mind already. Maybe this is the opportunity to build on this and propose further improvements within our area. If you have ideas about possible improvements please get in touch with us. Now might be a good opportunity to build up a wealth of ideas that might help produce enough pressure to at least get some things done in the area. We hope to hear from you. Contact us at [email protected] or tel. 0117 929 1883

To listen to a webinar produced by the Bristol Cycling Campaign– click on this link https://bristolcycling.org.uk/the-future-of-cycling-in-bristol-webinar-may-2020/

The BCC policy on cycling can be found here https://www.bristol.gov.uk/streets-travel/cycling Plans for the pedestrianisation of parts of Bristol can be found here https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2020-05-13/plans-fast-tracked-to-pedestrianise-large- parts-of-bristol-city-centre-following-the-coronavirus-pandemic/

Widen my Path takes you to a site where you can add your own ideas about where pavements should be wider/cycle routes should be improved https://www.widenmypath.com/

4. HCCA and the 500 Club

Our community organisation has been operating since the early 1970s. (It covers Hotwells, Cliftonwood and Spike Island) The core objective of the organisation is and always has been that of ‘improving the life of all those who live and work in the area’

For the first 30 years we were fortunate to have a community space where classes and other activities could take place. In spite of the loss of this space (now Hope Chapel) HCCA has continued its efforts and has fought for and provided many improvements in our area. Some are listed below • Improvements to the children’s play area in Charles and Argyle Place • Promotion and support of the West Bristol Arts Trail • Production and promotion of a Traffic Strategy -recognised by Bristol City Council • Restoration of the neglected bust of Samuel Plimsoll to its rightful place facing the waterfront

• Continuation of support for the maintenance and upkeep of Hotwells Piazza and the determination to keep it as a place of interest for the community • Support for Cliftonwoood Town Green and events such as the Open Air Cinema • We have ensured a presence at relevant City Council sessions – to ensure we benefit from opportunities they might offer.

HCCA is a registered charity which relies on grants to carry out its activities. In the current climate, funding is very scarce and so we rely even more on our only source of income which is the 500 Club.

What is this? it is a lottery with a monthly draw of a 1st prize of £150 and 3 further prizes of £25.

What does it cost? Membership of the Club is £18 a year, payable on standing order.

What happens to the money? Any surplus after the prizes have been awarded is used to cover our insurance costs and support HCCA community projects. It also helps us to help small local groups who need help to pursue a community project under our umbrella.

What are these community projects? They range from local ‘green’ gardening projects and community buildings feasibility studies to holding local and General Election hustings.

Can I have a say in any of this? HCCA is always looking for more people to be involved in what we do – either by suggesting activities, commenting on what we do or joining in our committee work. This is YOUR Community Association! Our official email [email protected]

If you would like an immediate response you are welcome to use [email protected]

How do I join 500 CLUB? It is easy to sign up – print off and complete the form and return it to us at HCCA at 16 Granby Hill BS8 4LT

You can find the form on https://www.hotwellscliftonwood.org.uk - follow the ‘about’ link on Homepage to find ‘500 CLUB’

Or you can follow the link below https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/hcca/pages/141/attachments/original/1585506750/A mended_Member_Flyer_2019.pdf?1585506750

If you are a member already – please make a point of sharing this with friends/neighbours. The more members we have – the greater the chances of a full house of winners every month.

How do I know if I have won anything? All winners are directly notified using the contact details provided when completing the standing order form.

5. A Special thank you to Anna Wilson from HCCA An excerpt from the letter written by our Chairman to Anna

I am writing on behalf of the Management Committee who wish to express their thanks to you for the work that you have done on the Piazza over the last few years. In particular for the way in which you have taken on the job of ensuring that Ray's legacy and the other

3 monies we have had available have been spent enhancing the space and encouraging people to participate in making the space more usable for all.

We appreciate that a lot of the work necessary to try and maintain the space requires the patience of Job when engaging with the Council and its agencies. We are very pleased to hear from you of the improving relationship with City Waste, thanks to your sticking at it. This is something that will definitely help in maintaining the space.

We also appreciate the extra work that you undertook in dealing with the squatter in the Piazza. Hopefully now that Robbie has been safely rehoused, you can enjoy being in the space more again.

With best wishes and thanks from us all Dennis

6. Piazza Update The Hotwells Piazza has been flourishing and much enjoyed by many locals as a place to exercise and relax in the sun. Many of you may have noticed the plants getting a bit thirsty in the beautiful sunny weather we’ve been having. I’d like to thank all the local volunteers who have help us do some watering over the past few days. I’m creating some guidelines for safe community gardening which I’ll be sharing on the noticeboard and in local websites and Facebook pages. Read about the return of Wheelie Bin Bob here https://artundertheflyover.com/2020/05/31/community-gardening-physically-distant- socially-close/

To read more about the history or our community regeneration of the Piazza visist our website https://www.hotwellscliftonwood.org.uk/fohp 7.News from Jacob Wells Road : Jacobs Wells Community Hub are still changing the noticeboard more frequently - offering a range of local interest and cultural posts (including recipes and health). All three boards have dispensers for local walks and colouring activities. Stocks of these vary on each board. Locations of the boards are: • bottom of Jacobs Wells Road - just above the crescent of shops • top of Jacobs Wells Road - opposite the entrance to QEH School • Cathedral Walk - adjacent to the grassed area between The Crescent and Lloyds Banking.

Please notice that only pre-printed posters (preferably A4) can be accepted as there is no access to printers currently. The email address to use if you have any questions is [email protected]

8. Hotwells Waterfront Gardens A short article by John Bradfield

2020 is a strange year in many ways. One consequence of the Corona virus lockdown is that those of us who live on the Hotwells waterfront are unable to enter our gardens in the annual South West in Bloom "It's Your Neighbourhood" competition. It's been cancelled for this summer. So, no chance to prove that we can yet again win the RHS top grade score of Outstanding.

What a pleasure then, to see the gardens as lovely as ever. Not because of any competition, but for the benefit of our waterfront community, including the hundreds of passers-by.

As they say, it's worth a detour just to see. Here are some pictures to tempt you. Enjoy.

(John Bradfield on the Hotwells waterfront.)

9. Business in the Community initiative Information from one of our community

Jo, who lives in Cliftonwood works for ‘Business in the Community’ https://www.bitc.org.uk/ This organisation has established an on-line platform which allows community organisations (not individuals) that have a "need" due to Covid-19 to register this, and they then try and match this with an offer made by businesses. See https://businessresponsecovid.org.uk/

They are working closely with Fareshare, The Trussell Trust, Foodbanks etc. but if anyone knows of an organisation that has a specific need, or for that matter works for a business that has under-utilised / spare resource, please encourage them to register on the platform.

This is working both at a local and national level and they have made some 400 matches to date. One local example is that they have sourced acetate sheets from a Bristol law firm so that Cotham School can continue to make face masks for the NHS. Please contact [email protected] if you want to discuss a need or a possible spare resource.

10.Ashton Court Newsletter from Bristol Civic Society ‘It's obviously not the ideal time to draw attention to the challenge of restoring a historic mansion - in the middle of a pandemic when attention is quite rightly elsewhere. And budgets will be even more stretched once the crisis eases.

However, we do need to plan ahead and to think about what might happen later this year. With parks being used more under lockdown and with the benefits of public parks being more understood, can the Mansion play an even more central role in the park at Ashton Court in the future?’

To read the newsletter in full – click on the link https://mailchi.mp/44094c756c0f/ashton- court-mansion-newsletter?e=b082ecfffb

11.We are the Curious – activities during lockdown This wonderful museum for children of all ages (2 - 90 years at a guess) may be closed at this time of lockdown but is still producing some online scientific activities for small children, and there are some fascinating articles on the night sky in their Planetarium blog. https://www.wethecurious.org/

12. Bristol Police speeding alert message Unfortunately, one of the results of the public observing the “Stay Home, Save Lives” restrictions was the increase in speeding on roads across the region. The level of traffic is increasing as more and more people go back to work, so please read the attached document to see how the police are working to make the roads safer. Please click to see attachment https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/media/32957840/7315-slow-down-save- lives.pdf

13. Latest Coronavirus update from the Council Details of Council projects for June as we begin to ease Lockdown. It has details of a film which has been created for the occasion ‘A City of Hope’ and includes a message from Mayor Marvin Rees

‘This film acts as a reminder of the rich and varied communities and cultures that make Bristol so special, as we all stand together in the face of crisis. It is that spirit that gives us hope for the future’. Click here to read more https://mailchi.mp/e68ccf8b8cb5/bristol- coronavirus-info-and-advice-28-april-4403128?e=0e7fc0a2e3

14.Bristol Food Union Since the beginning of the Coronavirus Pandemic, Bristol Food Union has ensured that the most needy of Bristol are fed. This collective of restaurants, food businesses and community organisations have come together to support Bristol Council’s emergency food provision. Each day they feed 500 homeless citizens, deliver food to 100 adults who have recently left the foster care system and cook for workers across the frontline including social care and emergency services. You can learn more about this amazing operation by following this link to their Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/bristolfoodunion/

15.Food Bank News- Pooles Wharf All Food Banks are experiencing reduced supply and increased demand. Outlets (e.g. the Hope Centre) are closed and the North West Food Bank is trying to deliver basics to individuals in need.

For the past month there has been a weekly collection in Pooles Wharf – it is every Monday. If you would like to take along donations – the address is 57 Pooles Wharf Court. Dropping off point is in the garage there which will be open from 10-12. Social distancing is accounted for as Jenny Hendy (the owner) will be sitting nearby while you make the drop. North Bristol Food Bank collect shortly after midday each Monday.

Food Banks need • Dried goods (pasta/rice) • Tins of fruit • Tins of beans • Tinned meat or fish • Toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toilet paper • Baby items e.g. wipes and nappies

16. Help Needed with a Research Project 'Impact of Airbnb' Gemma Santarpino is an MSC Urban Planning Student studying at The University of the West of England. For her masters dissertation she is undertaking research into the presence and impacts of Airbnb within Clifton and Bedminster: ‘To assess the extent to which the presence and impacts of Airbnb within two contrasting wards of Bristol, inform a discussion of whether regulatory intervention is necessary to address such implications’. If you are interested in feeding into this research, please contact Gemma on [email protected]

17.Local Businesses in need of your support during the crisis. The crisis is not over – even though some easing of regulations has taken place. In the meantime, many local businesses have developed innovative ways to keep their trade thriving during lockdown. Spar has remained an extremely well stocked local shop and has extended its opening hours from7a.m. – 9p.m. They have a very effective social distancing system. In the meantime – Pump House has reinvented itself as the Hotwells Farm Shop as you can read below.

Pump House re-opens as a Farm Shop Plus

The Pump House on the Hotwells waterfront has responded to the Corona virus crisis by reinventing itself as a pop-up Farm Shop with lots of added extras. Including a daily selection of takeaway coffee and ice cream. In addition, on Fridays from 4.00 - 8.00pm takeaway Fish and Chips but only if you pre-order (pop in or phone on 0117 927 2229). And on Sundays from 12.00 - 4.00pm takeaway Sunday Roast Lunch but again, only if you pre-order.

Proprietor Toby is delighted with the response and is greatly enjoying the new lifestyle. Maybe he will keep it like this. For me, it's worth it just for his fabulous sourdough bread. A new local asset.

Further information on their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pumphousebristol/

News on other local pubs/hostelries

Merchants Arms – Currently only opening to serve beer from the hatch (Bring your own containers) They open every Friday from 5 p.m. – 7.30 p.m. and you are asked to observe a strict distancing while you wait. For details of what beer they have on offer and any other news – check on https://www.facebook.com/MerchantsArmsPubHotwells/

Orchard Inn, Spike Island - This pub is delivering orders of cider/keg beer and cheese plus a variety of snacks ( Thursdays and Fridays only) Also you can order and collect from the pub from 12-6p.m. daily. Full details of their ciders and the rest of the menu is here on their web site https://www.orchardinn.co.uk/orders?fbclid=IwAR1Z3KT42NZJDOJ3H50Gd2YDa8Yh4mAjh 2o9k72Ibeyype8uZSIdcUfYdrQ

The Lion Pub, Cliftonwood This Cliftonwood pub is now offering take-away meals on Tuesday and Friday. The food has to be ordered from midday the day before. Telephone number 0786796961 All details are here http://www.thelioncliftonwood.co.uk/index.php/takeaway-menu They also serve an amazing take-away Sunday lunch – click here for details http://www.thelioncliftonwood.co.uk/index.php/sunday-lunch

Local Restaurants

Rassasy Indian restaurant Hotwell Road is operating a take away service on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 5.30 p.m. – 10 pm. Phone: 0117 329 4848. This is not a delivery – you have to be able to collect. https://www.indianrassasy.com/

The Local Thai has a delivery service run by Deliveroo – to access this you have to go to the Deliveroo site. https://deliveroo.co.uk/menu/bristol/hotwells/the-local-thai-bristol Otherwise the restaurant offers a take-away service offering a 10% discount for those who can collect. Their phone number is 0117 330 6476 https://www.localthaibristol.com/

Raj Bari This well -loved Indian restaurant on Hotwell Road is open only for take-away service on Thursday/Friday/Saturday evenings. Phone number is 0117 922 7617. http://rajbaribristol.co.uk/

The Red Pizza Company (next to Raj Bari) This takeaway shop is offering deliveries but has tightened up the ruling about ordering and paying. Now orders must be placed online or by phone – collection is at an allotted time and people are requested to queue at a social distance on the pavement before collection. They are still open until 11.30 p.m. and will deliver until 4 a.m. They also deliver wine and other alcohol. https://www.theredpizzacompany.com/?locale=en-GB

Chai Shai Chai Shai are closed for business and are volunteering to cook for Bristol’s carers. Having delivered over 3000 meals to hospital NHS staff, Faruk and Shilpi have started to deliver to staff at care homes in Bristol.

Chai Shai would love to say thank you to all the people who have helped make this happen and send them all a big virtual hug. To donate, like or leave a nice message, please visit the Facebook page below.

If you are vulnerable, or know someone who is in need of cheering, healthy, delicious hot meals please contact via Facebook message https://www.facebook.com/pg/chaishaikitchen/posts/

Food and grocery provision

A few local shops offering delivery facilities. The Mall Deli www.themalldeli.co.uk enquiries to [email protected] 0117 9734440 and Clifton Fruit and Veg, Byces Avenue email [email protected] 0117 3368426

Reg the Veg in Boyce’s Avenue is also offering a delivery service of veg/salad boxes and much more. Their Facebook page is worth a look as they are extending the goods they sell. https://www.facebook.com/www.regthevegltd.co.uk/

A group of independent shops in North Street has formed an online group to help them keep buoyant during this time. It ranges from bookshops to food and artworks. Here is a link to their site https://wearebs3.co.uk/#/

Windmill Hill Farm boxes - The Windmill Hill farm has teamed up with French Garden Catering to supply these boxes. You have to order online but can pick up at Windmill Hill. Their website is well worth a look https://www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk/our-services/bristol- fruit-and-veg-boxes/

Riverside Garden Centre is also open – to much applause! They are open every day except Monday and Tuesday and have a very efficient social distancing programme as well as lots of help with parking as this has been reduced to allow for a barrier around the queuing system. More information here http://riversidegardencentre.com/

18. Updates on Theatre and film in the city This article does not cover all venues – but it is an interesting and revealing update of the effect Lockdown has had on Watershed, Arnolfini, The Old Vic and Spike Island. There are so many other Bristol venues which are similarly affected for sure, from the alternative and zany to the traditional and classical. It is just a reminder https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/bristol-venues-future-coronavirus- lockdown-4149027

19. P.S! Not all supporters of HCCA receive the Bulletin. Restrictions of the Data Protection act mean that we can only send out the Bulletin to those who have ‘opted in’ If you have friends or neighbours who find they are no longer receiving the Bulletin – please advise them to go to the HHCA website – there is a link on the Homepage ‘Sign up to receive newsletters’ https://www.hotwellscliftonwood.org.uk