Bristol Globe

June 2012 The magazine that celebrates Bristol’s diversity

INSIDE DISABILITY AND DIVERSITY GREAT WOMEN OF BRISTOL RECIPES FROM ROUND THE GLOBE OUR CITY OF SANCTUARY STORIES OF EXILE FROM ST PAUL’S TO THE GAMBIA SUPPORTERS AND ORGANISERS INTRODUCTION Bristol City of Sanctuary Supporters CONTENTS Bristol City of Sanctuary Steering Committee Dive If your organisation would like to be Migration BRISTOL GLOBE rsity is o added this lists, please visit ISR (Churches Council for Industry ne Fr Richard McKay (Chair) , St Nicholas of Tolentino www.cityofsanctuary.org/bristol and Social Responsibility) The magazine that celebrates Bristol’s diversity John Wesley’s Chapel ACTA Community Theatre Kalahari Moon Alistair Beattie , Chief Executive, Faithnetsouthwest African and Caribbean Chamber of Kenya Association in Bristol of the t Commerce and Enterprise h Kingswood Methodist Church ings Caroline Beatty , Welcome Centre Manager, Bristol Refugee Rights (ACCCE) Lush Bristol 5 City of Sanctuary update Rachel Bee , Bristol Hospitality Network African Initiatives Malcom X Centre Forward Maisokwadzo African Voices Forum (AVF) Jo Benefield , Bristol Defend the Asylum Seekers Campaign MDC Bristol Afrika Eye Modoto Ltd 6 Meet the Lord Mayor th Amnesty International Bristol a Mohammed Elsharif , Sudanese Association Movementor t m Steven Hood ake Group s National Union of Journalists, Valerie Russell Emmott , Bristol Multi-Faith Forum Anglo-Iranian Society (AIS Bristol) Bristol Branch Elinor Harris , Area Manager, Refugee Action, Bristol Anti-Slavery Off the Record 7 Cover story: Torch heroes Avon and Bristol Law Centre Reverend Canon Tim Higgins , The City Canon, Bristol Cathedral One25 Baker Brown Associates Orange Street Creative Studios 8-9 Asylum seekers this Barnardo’s South West Latif Ismail , Somali Forum a Oxfam South West gre with disabilities at c Bedminster Quaker Meeting it Pax Pontis y Maria Mapwashike , Bristol Zimbabwe Association Mike Jempson BeFriend Project Radio Salaam Shalom Khethiwe Mashavave , Sanctuary seeker, member Bristol Refugee Black Development Agency (BDA) Reckless Orchard A message fro Bristol Action for Southern Africa m the Editor of Bris Rights Red Notes Choir 10-11 Welcome to my home tol Globe (Bristol ACTSA) Redland Park Church Sabrina Esuka I Hadia Noman , Refugee Women of Bristol Bristol and Avon Chinese Women’s VERSITY is a ch Redland Quaker Meeting allenging concep Group this second t. Much depends Dr Christien van den Anker , Reader UWE, & Migrants Rights Refugee Action (Bristol) edition of Bristo upon the standp Bristol Citizen Advice Bureau 12-13 My favourite food colou l Globe seeks to d oint from which Refugee Women of Bristol D r, music, motion emonstrate. Our it is viewed, as and cen Centre Bristol Bristol Community FM (BcFM) 2011. In th emotion that h tre-spread recal Roaring Success Communications e closing ceremon eralded Bristol’s ls the explosion o y we remembere status as a City o f Bristol Community Housing Advice Rolls-Royce 14-15 The China connection Within days on d those who ha f Sanctuary, on e of the platform d been deported t 22 June Service Masha speakers was in o face uncertain STAFF Royal West of England Academy Hannah Hodson & vave had lived in detention. Zimb futures. Bristol Darfur Association Bristol for 10 yea abwean human r Saint Bonaventure’s Roman Suzanna Ho successful loca rs and was a pri ights activist Khe Bristol Debt Advice Centre l campaign save me target for Rob thiwe Catholic Parish We ar d her from such a ert Mugabe’s wr Forward Maisokwadzo Coordinator Bristol Defend the Asylum Seekers e not the only p fate. ath. Thankfull Shelter Housing Support Service lace that welcom y a 16-17 City of Sanctuary launch movements in 16 es those seeking Campaign (BDASC) other cities, two refuge from perse Anna Wardell Volunteer Administrator SHOP (Vintage Lounge and Arts Nor are w towns and a Lon cution. There ar Bristol District of the Methodist e the first in our don borough. e similar solidari Venue) Community Interest editio city to reach out ty Matt Gillett Outreach & Project Officer Church n also pays tribu to those elsewhe Company 18 Raising awareness of te to Bristol’s tw re in need of frie Bristol Drugs Project involved, some inning associat ndship and sup Society of Merchant Venturers since the end o ions which hav port. This female genital mutilation Tha f World War II. e brought mutua Bristol Fairtrade Network nks to the Umoja l benefits to all Somali Development Group Lisa Zimmerman l project and Bris Bristol Folk House etes from Kenya tol’s universities South Avon Conservation and where, according and colleges, the Bristol Foundation Housing more refuge to European Co city again plays Amenities Society es than in all 27 mmissioner for H host to Olympic Bristol Hospitality Network 19 Opinion: Aspiring to Bris EU countries p ome Affairs, C ath- tol’s sports facili ut together. The K ecilia Malmström It’s so good South West TUC ties in August. M enyan paralymp , there are Bristol Multi-Faith Forum (BMFF) diversity Christien recognition from eanwhile, as we ic team will also St Gregory’s Church, Horfield the authorities report, disabled a be training in Bristol Palestine Solidarity And, as . sylum seekers in St Nicholas of Tolentino School van den Anker Christien van de the city are still to see the Campaign disa n Anker reminds seeking St Nicholas Tolentino bility can someti us in her Opinio Bristol Refugee Rights mes be as problem n piece, coping w St Pauls Advice Centre She is one of atic as dealing w ith people’s react Bristol Somali Forum 20-21 Kurds: Where is our numerous strong ith the disabilit ions to And if women whose a y itself. return of Staple Hill Methodist Church that were not div chievements are Bristol Sudanese Association home? Ali Zalme Ma ersity enough, th also celebrated in Student Action for Refugees yor will fulfill hi is year Bristol w this edition. Bristol Trades Union Council s largely ceremon ill have two may Temwa cal landscape ial role while Br ors. Bristol’s firs Bristol Zimbabwe Association . istolians elect a n t openly gay Lord Bristol Globe The Brigstowe Project 22-23 Gambia: Back to Once ew city mayor to British Red Cross again, I hope you take charge of t our root s pl will enjoy this a he politi- Churches Together in Greater The Bristol Bike Project ace to live in th nnual glimpse e UK’, and that of the diversity t Bristol NUJ congratulates Bristol City of Sanctuary The Easton Family Practice Christina Zaba over the co you will support hat has helped to Bristol ming year. the BCoS drive t make Bristol ‘th in winning such wide support for its important work in The Ethical Property Company o create a networ e best City Academy Bristol k of Schools of S welcoming refugees to the City. We have supported The Haven anctuary City of Bristol College 25 Exiled at gunpoint Mike Jempso City of Sanctuary since the idea was first raised and The MediaWise Trust n, Director, The M Clean Slate Training and Christina Zaba ediaWise Trust we are very pleased to see that Bristol Globe Employment The Pierian Centre magazine has returned. The first issue last year was Clifton Diocese The Rainbow Programme very well received and we hope it sets an example Coconut Chilli Digital Thinking People 26-27 Twin towns for communities up and down the country. Coexist Transparency Research Alix Hughes & Dr John Veale BRISTOL GLOBE Tribe of Doris Community Resolve Published by Bristol City of Bristol NUJ is the city's number one organisation for Create it! (Arts) Ltd. Trinity Community Arts Ltd. 28-29 Supporting Nicaragua and Mozambique Trinity Henleaze United Reformed Sanctuary, c/o Refugee Action, Deputy Editor : Forward professional media workers. We have around 350 Crisis Centre Ministries Church Forward Maisokwadzo Unit 43, Easton Business Centre, Maisokwadzo members in newspaper and broadcast journalism, Cube Cinema Bristol Easton Christian Family Centre Tyndale Baptist Church Felix Road, Bristol BS5 0HE. Design & Layout : Paul Breeden publishing, web publishing, photography, PR and Elays Development Network Ujima Radio 30-31 Women of Bristol Eugene Byrne Cover photo : Simon Chapman more. Discover more about the union at Tel. 0117 941 5960 Faithnet Southwest Unchosen [email protected] www.nuj.org.uk or visit the Bristol branch website at University of the West of England Printed by Printing & Stationery First Bristol 32 Profile : June Burrough Promotions : Matt Gillet the address below. To find out more about the Foster Care Associates (Western) UWE Unison Services, University of the West of branch, email [email protected] First Bristol Victim Support-Avon and Somerset Forward Maisokwadzo England, 0117 328 4674 & Judeline Ross GWE Business West Volunteering Bristol We’re at www.bristolnuj.org.uk Happy City Initiative Voscur www.cityofsanctuary.org/bristol • If you have any comments, Hotwells Primary School World Development Movement • The 2011 & 2012 editions of BRISTOL GLOBE complaints or suestions about Imayla (Bristol Group) Editor : Mike Jempson and you can follow @bristolnuj can be accessed online at BRISTOL GLOBE please email us on Twitter: International Organisation for Young Bristol http://www.cityofsanctuary.org/node/1311 @MediaWiseMJ [email protected]

2 June 2012 Bristol Globe Bristol Globe June 2012 3 CITY OF SANCTUARY UPDATE

What is a School of Sanctuary?

SCHOOL is committed to being a safe and Last year’s Lord Mayor Cllr Geoffrey Gollop shelters under a symbolic welcoming place for umbrella with (from left) Karim and Awab Elsharif and Tawana ‘A people whose lives were in danger Maisokwadzo at the City of Sanctuary launch in June 2011 in their own country. A school that helps its students, staff and the wider community Finding new ways to understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary, and extends a welcome to everyone as equal, valued members of the school community. Congratulations to Bristol on its A school that is proud to be a make a safe haven place of safety and inclusion for City of Sanctuary status from all.’ Communication Workers Union FORWARD MAISOKWADZO reports on still coming in from individuals and Bristol schools are a microcosm of the progress since last year’s launch of Bristol organisations, particularly from the city’s multicultural population. It is business sector. The aim is to have 200 estimated that about 5 per cent of South West Region as a City of Sanctuary organisations and 5,000 individuals signed schoolchildren are now of Somali origin; up by December 2013. slightly more are of Afro-Caribbean or Equality & Diversity Committee HERE will be tea and cakes at Supporters are encouraged to take actions mixed heritage; about five per cent of the Mansion House on June 20 which will contribute to making Bristol a Indian or Pakistani origin; and just over when the Lord Mayor welcomes real city of sanctuary, providing a place of two per cent from Eastern Europe. Bristol City of Sanctuary (BCoS) welcome, safety and security for those At 23 of the city’s 105 state primary sTupporters to celebrate International escaping persecution elsewhere. schools more than 50 per cent of pupils The CWU campaigns for equality and fights discrimination in Refugee Day with him. A key focus for the coming year is to are from black or minority ethnic (BME) This important demonstration of the develop Schools of Sanctuary – promoting communities, but only three state the postal, telecoms and finance sectors. city’s hospitality is just the latest in series of positive attitudes within schools and their secondary schools have a similar activities which are helping to grow the catchment areas towards those seeking to proportion. Thirteen primary and three City of Sanctuary movement and raise start new lives in the city. secondary schools have fewer than 10 per awareness about the challenges faced by The launch of this initiative will be on cent BME pupils. If you work in the communications industry and need asylum seekers in Bristol. September 27 at the City Academy Bristol. assistance then you need to be in the CWU. For further advice please Under the leadership of its new chair, Fr It was one of four areas of activity – international links. BCoS has also hosted Richard McKay, BCoS is continuing to build health, education and employment, safety the first regional meeting of City of contact Kevin Beazer, CWU Regional Secretary. its profile across the city and seeking to and accommodation – identified for action Sanctuary groups across the South West maintain the momentum gained before and when around 100 supporters met in May at and Wales, welcoming people from during last year’s colourful celebrations in the Assisi Centre, in Easton’s St Nicholas of Swansea, Cardiff, Newport, Exeter, Email: [email protected] Telephone 0117 935 0055 the Council House, on College Green and Tolentino parish. BCoS will continue to Gloucestershire to share good practice and in Bristol Cathedral to recognise Bristol’s publish the Bristol Globe – an important inspire other towns and cities. new status as a City of Sanctuary. medium for our outreach work which also If the work of BCoS is to flourish it will Pledges of support and engagement are celebrates the city’s diversity and require collective effort across the city. 4 June 2012 Bristol Globe Bristol Globe June 2012 5 BDEVOTEDr TO DiIVEsRSITY tol’s new COVER STORY main man tak es up the sword

The new Lord Mayor of Bristol, Peter Main STEVEN HOOD meets the latest Lord Mayor Peter dedicated his at his inauguration ceremony. (1963-64); the first black Lord year in office to the man who The former Conservative Mayor was Councillor Jim holder of an ancient office Celebration time: Blaire Hannan on the big screen at the party in Millennium Square Picture: Simon Chapman had always encouraged his leader, Councillor, Richard Williams (1990). HE new Lord Mayor political ambitions, his civil Eddy, seemed to be speaking for Earlier this year the city ARALYMPIAN sailor of Bristol, Peter partner Gordon Williams, who everyone present when he said: voted – in a very poorly- Blaire Hannan, from Main, wants to use died three years ago. They had "Although not a native, Peter supported poll –-to back a new, Stoke Bishop was Making sure diversity his time in office to been together for 34 years. Main is passionate about the more powerful city mayor. One chosen to carry the hTighlight the contribution many He went on: “I will try to city and its inhabitants. A of Peter’s tasks will be to see OPlympic torch across Bristol different minority groups make promote the diversity of the campaigner, city councillor and there is no confusion between Harbour on the power boat to the life of his adopted city. city. I am a member of the former housing professional of his largely ceremonial role and Aiming High and lit the Olympic Peter moved to Bristol from LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual long standing, he has the that of the undefined but much Beacon at a huge celebration in South London with his partner and Transexual) commmunity, experience to make an more powerful role which will Millennium Square on May 22. is at the heart of Gordon Williams for work so I am going to defend and accomplished Lord Mayor." be filled in autumn 2012. Blaire, 22, volunteers with the reasons. They instantly fell in strengthen that community.” Bristol has only had a Lord • Peter can be followed on Sailability project helping other love with the city. He declared his intention to Mayor since 1899 when Queen twitter @brislordmayor , on young people with disabilities to “Bristol is my adopted home find a place for the scattering of Victoria granted the office Flickr at develop new skills. Blaire’s now,” he says. “It’s so ashes for Hindus and Sikhs. during a visit to the city, but the www.flickr.com/photos/bristol mobility problems began after she picturesque, with its fantastic “I also want to work with the city has had a Mayor since 1216. lordmayor and was 13, after being hit by a hockey our Olympic party historical landmarks like the city’s many religious While Peter is the City’s first http://bristollordmayor.wordpr ball during a school match. Clifton suspension bridge and communities. I am working openly gay Lord Mayor, the first ess.com/ Among the 32 people who Temple Meads.” with Hindus to respect their woman to hold the post was Additional reporting by Mike carried the torch on its two-day He has always had an interest death traditions,” he said. Alderman Mrs Florence Brown Jempson passage through Bristol no fewer in politics and joined the short- He also wants to reach out to than six had to cope with a togetherr wee can achieve ggreat things lived Social Democratic Party minority communities Medieval bling, marks of a king disability. including faith and ethnic when it was formed in 1981. He N official occasions Peter will wear the ultimate in Bristol ‘bling’ – Jamie Cooper, 23, was 18 when groups and people with became a Liberal Democrat a 23 carat gold chain of office. he was suffered appalling injuries councillor for Brislington West disabilities. He plans to learn O Other civic insignia include four Tudor silver chains and eight silver from mortar blasts while serving We help people We discover in 1997 and has held the seat sign language to communicate with the Royal Green Jackets in I really feel at II lovelove bringing bigbig appeal against I save lives new ways to maces from the 18th century. home in Bristol ideasideas to life injustice virtually tackle disease better with the deaf. ever since. He has devoted His scarlet robes and gauntlets are medieval, and denote authority Iraq, and Jamie Weller, 42, from He had also paid tribute to the himself to many local causes from the monarch, together with a black-feathered tricorn hat. Only the Nottingham lost his eyesight LGBT community. “It was a including the preservation of Lord Mayors of London and Bristol are entitled to wear such garb. which serving in the Royal Navy, very sad time for me in 2009 See for yoursyourselfself at one of ouourur Open Days Arnos Vale cemetery, and is a On special occasions he may also sport one of four historic swords – aged 20. when Gordon passed. The governor of Brislington the oldest is the Mourning Sword, dating from 1373 when Edward III Teacher Shirley Hume, 61, has Saturday 30 June 2012 Saturday 2 FebruarFebruaryy 2013 community rallied around to Enterprise College. declared Bristol a county. carried on teaching and Saturday 6 October 2012 Saturday 2 March 2013 help me through it.” “Brislington is a fantastic place He also has his own set of horse-drawn vehicles - the State Coach (the fundraising while recovering from Saturday 10 November 20122 wwwwww.uwe.ac.uk.uwe.ac.uk However, he insists: “As a to live,” he says. “It’s close only one outside London), a landau and the Proclamation Brake. 14 operations for skin cancer. councillor and a Lord Mayor I enough to the city to get to The Lord Mayor’s official residence is the Mansion House in Clifton Another local charity fundraiser, want to be judged on what I do work but it has a certain Down, built in 1867 after the original in Queen Square was destroyed in Sally Robert, 42, has epilepsy and for my residents and Bristol as a countryside village feel to it.” the Bristol Riots of 1831. asthma, and 14-year old Dalaney whole rather than who I love.” Now he represents the entire • See www.bristol.gov.uk/page/lord-mayor-bristol Mills has been diagnosed with city. In his inaugural speech as Peter’s popularity was evident Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 6 June 2012 Bristol Globe Bristol Globe June 2012 7 DISABILITY DISABILIITY Disabled refugees resort to art to raise their voice

MIKE JEMPSON finds that conditions are roundabout that links Broadmead to attended by Bristol West MP Stephen cosmopolitan Stokes Croft. Williams MP, Laura Welti of Bristol especially tough for asylum seekers Conditions for asylum seekers with Disability Equality Forum, Andy Rickell of who also have disabilities physical disabilities or mental health issues the Vassall Centre Trust and Bristol City of are especially tough. They cannot access Sanctuary chair Fr Richard McKay. services available to others with Fr McKay said: “It is quite disturbing and GROUP of disabled asylum- disabilities, including transport. Some are extremely shocking that the Government seekers have expressed their homeless and not entitled to any benefits. is unashamedly failing to provide safety to exasperation through a On top the traumas they may have our disabled brothers and sisters who are powerful mural in the heart of suffered back home they live in fear of seeking sanctuary. BAristol. being detained or deported while awaiting “Treating the most vulnerable people Persecuted in their homelands and decisions on their fate. Their voices are within our society in such an inhumane feeling their needs largely ignored here, rarely heard. way is pathetic.” the mural is a passionate and powerful plea The artwork forms part of a national for recognition. Their work is also a Disturbing research project run by UK Disabled contribution to the regeneration of the Some of the artists spoke of their People's Council (DPC), with funding Bearpit underpass at St James Barton experiences at the unveiling which was from the Big Lottery.

We support people and Impossible to ignore: Asylum seekers at the opening of their mural in the Bearpit underpass in Bristol groups who need sanctuary or believe in sanctuary. ‘I've been in England five years and We’ve been working in Bristol since 1989, providing expert advice and advocacy, training and information; campaigning and only got proper help 3 months ago’ taking action to maximise justice and minimise destitution. AHMED from Iraq now living in Bristol spoke ‘I've been in England five years and ‘The Government should be helping to the magazine Disability Now about his life only got proper help three months ago. these people. They put me into a hostel Most of our services are provided by and the treatment he has had in Britain Now I've got a flat but it is high up and with people who abuse drugs and volunteers, for whom we provide detailed my legs are bad and climbing stairs is drink. I've never drunk alcohol in my training and support. hard, and there's no furniture. life. Why house me with drug users? EOPLE in Britain don't seem ‘I waited a month for them to mend ‘Does this country respect disabled Join us in making Bristol a place to be even to like the disabled. I see lots my door but if I miss one appointment people? They make them sleep on the more proud of! ‘P of disabled people. They they refuse me money: they say "Sorry, street. drink in the park, they have nowhere to you're late..." ‘In my country, when someone dies, Contact us on 0117 941 5960 or email us: live. They try to kill themselves. Every ‘Who made me disabled? The people come and check on you. My [email protected] family with a mental person needs a government. Britain, America, Iraq. brother died last year. Only one person house. The governments fought. They made came to see me when I heard that he'd www.refugee-action.org.uk ‘Britain says Iraq is rubbish but even in me disabled, They injured my leg in an been killed. I was bleeding inside. I Iraq and Kurdistan people are treated explosion. I lost my brother. My mother couldn't talk. My family say "Are there Registered Charity No. 283660 better than this. My family send me can't talk properly now: she lost an eye any people around you?" I say "No." 43 Easton Business Centre, Felix Road, BS5 0HE Ahmed: Still seeking help after injury in explosion money every month. and an arm in the explosion. My mother says "Be strong."’ Head office: Victoria Charity Centre, London SW1V 1BR

8 June 2012 Bristol Globe Bristol Globe June 2012 9 WELCOME TO MY HOME WELCOME TO MY HOME

SABRINA ESUKE, former Left : has been tried. Rather than refuse, guests presenter of a TV series Shendoan should say it looks delicious but they are Kantarzhieva full. It is impolite to hold on to a dish; take about tribal customs in the and her a small amount then let the dish go full handsome circle before taking more. Having uneven Democratic Republic of three-and-a- chopsticks, a reminder of the way coffins Congo, continues her half year-old son, Burak used to be made, implies disaster. exploration of hospitality Food is symbolic – ducks represent traditions around the world fidelity, a whole fish togetherness and abundance; noodles are a sign of longevity so should be uncut. Chicken is presented NE definition of culture with head, tail and feet to symbolise is humankind’s capacity completeness and prosperity. Tofu, the to classify things and protein-rich dried bean curd, symbolises represent their fulfilment of wealth and happiness. eOxperiences with symbols. Another is “A guest who splits the bill is known as the distinct and creative ways that very ungracious to the host,” says Tan. people present themselves in different It is customary for a guest who stays in parts of the world. Right : the home to take the host’s family for a I appreciate this more each time I Yvonne meal to thank them for the hospitality. Sweeney, learn about the ways people welcome whose dogs Warmth from ireland  guests to their homes, keeping alive Flop and WAS greeted by two friendly dogs, their ancestors’ traditions and passing Luck are Flop and Luck, when I visited Yvonne them on to their children. likely to join in greeting ISweeney and was surprised to learn Gaiety from Bulgaria guests that Irish people would not normally kiss  guests on arrival. She is from Cork in the Pictures: west of Ireland and still follows the ULGARIA has a great diversity of Sabrina Esuka example of her parents, welcoming guests festivals and customs dating back with traditional Irish greetings such as Bto the time when men tried to “Conas atá tú” (How are you?) appease the natural elements and Irish people would consider it rude to ask trembled before their power. It is a culture guests to take off their shoes, preferring to full of beauty, gaiety, mystical voices, offer “Céad míle fáilte” (A hundred brightly coloured costumes and fiery There are so many ways of thousand welcomes), and say how pleased dances performed by barefoot dancers on they are to have them, showing them into burning embers to expel illness and bring the living room and offering them a hot health and fruitfulness. drink straight away. I received a a warm and enthusiastic If it is lunchtime it would be normal to welcome from my Bulgarian hostess, invite them to eat with the family. At software engineer Mrs Shendoan Yvonne’s, lunch might be soup with a meat Kantarzhieva and her handsome three- pie and potatoes. If her visitors were and-a-half year-old son Burak, both feel welcome staying on for dinner she would suggest a beautifully dressed in coordinated clothes. making us all walk to somewhere interesting and a She explained that she and her partner chance to chat to get to know them better. always greet guests at the door with a Respect from China  back in your pocket is considered vulgar. Dinner will consist of a meat dish, such handshake or possibly a hug or kiss and Roses beauty pageant, held near Kazanluk And guests should never put their feet up. as lamb chops, with mashed potato. Beer welcome them saying “Dobre doshli” – to each June. Bulgaria produces 70 per cent HINESE culture is known for its Guests will be served hot Chinese tea, or wine would be offered depending on which the reply is “Dobre zavarili”. While of the rose oil used in perfumes – known formality. Introductions are often with small plates of boiled unsalted her guests’ tastes. The children would sit at she takes their coats the guests remove as liquid gold because it is three times made using full titles and peanuts, salted roasted peanuts, or pickled a separate table to show respect to the their shoes before being shown to the more expensive than the precious metal. C company names. Shop assistant Tan Yin vegetables. Pitchers of fruit juice will be adults. To follow, Irish coffee (laced with living room. Those coming on a special She might also mention the famous Pirin Foong (known as Mrs Smith since she served, followed by dishes such as noodles, whiskey and topped with cream). For occasion might bring flowers for the Sings and Rozhen Sings folk festivals. A married an Englishman) said her guests are Chinese soup, and noodle stir fry. dessert she always serves ice cream, which hostess and wine for the host. If it were recording of the best-known Bulgarian greeted with a warm “Ni-hao (ma)” After lunch Tan takes guests for a walk, may be eaten while watching television. the first visit to a new home they might folk song “lzlel e Delyu hiadutin” was sent (Hello, how are you) to which the reply is to help digestion and get stomachs ready Yvonne says Irish people are really bring something for the house. into space on the 1977 Voyager spacecraft. “Hao” (Good). for dinner, which takes place in a hospitable toward visitors and never judge The table would be set with alcoholic For dinner, Shendoan serves traditional The Chinese dislike being touched by restaurant to demonstrate the variety of a book by its cover. In the tradition of their and fizzy drinks, and appetisers such as Bulgaria food such as meshana skara, a strangers, so there would be no hand- Chinese cuisine. She will order tea for ancestors, they will always cook at home shopska salad (chopped cheese, tomatoes, mixed grill). When guests leave, it will be shaking or hugging. Guests are given everyone. Alcohol is normally consumed rather than getting a takeaway. cucumber and herbs), sandwiches, sirene with a handshake, hug or kiss and a slippers to wear, and shown where to sit. only for toasts during the main dishes. As I left Yvonne gave me a flag with (a white feta-type cheese) and nuts. “Priyatna vecher” (“Have a good evening, Whistling or clicking fingers is considered Lots of sizzling hot food is served on a symbols of the four provinces of Ireland. Shendoan will tell guests about the and thanks for coming”). If they had very rude; sucking air in loudly through ‘Lazy Susan’ – a rotating tray at the centre She waved from the doorstep, again no different festivals in her home town, like arrived by taxi they would be offered a lift lips and teeth expresses distress; blowing of the table. As a good hostess she will ask hugging or kissing, wishing me “Sláinte!” the Rose Festival, with its Queen of the home. Tan Yin Foong – aka Mrs Smith your nose and putting your handkerchief if everyone can reach it and if each dish or good health, a traditional Irish farewell.

10 June 2012 Bristol Globe Bristol Globe June 2012 11 OINTERNATuIONAL FrLAVO URfS avourite recipes from around the wINoTERNATIrONALl FLAd VOURS

KURDISTAN: Dolma and spicy, add a teaspoon of ground BANGLADESH: Biriyani Add the meat to the rice with Dough stuffed vegetables hot red pepper! 3 cups of water and slowly 1.5kg self-raising flour As an alternative to vine NICELY made Biriyani bring to the boil, simmer for a 1 cup caster sugar leaves, try Swiss chard – one of – fragrant long-grain few minutes. Half cup of margarine or butter SAM AMIN from Iraqi our family favourites. Cut off rice layered with meat Preheat the oven. Teaspoon vanilla essence the hard stems, and place a A Kurdistan offers a new or vegetables coated in spices – Turn the meant and rice 3 eggs small amount of the rice twist on old favourites. Half pint of warm 50:50 milk E mixture near the end of one is a pleasure to behold and eat, mixture into a large baking dish Take some chicken legs and and water side of the leaf and carefully says MOHAMMED and leave in the middle of a chopped ribeye steak and braise SHAHIDUL ISLAM. heated oven for a short time. both in about 2 cups of water start rolling. Swiss chard leaves Sauce tend to crack when you fold Serve on large dishes, for about 45 minutes to make a 200g cocoa powder them in, so just roll them up. Ingredients decorated with lemon nice rich stock, adding salt & 100g sugar (to taste) They don't have to be perfect. 300/320g Basmati rice segments, cucumber slices and pepper to taste. You can also use Half cup warm milk cooked ground beef or lamb in When you place them in the 1 kg chicken pieces or 800g of chopped coriander, with side pan, make sure the loose end is lamb the mixture. salad. Mix all the dough ingredients at the bottom. 50g root ginger thoroughly to make a firm Esam Amin 1 clove garliic The stuffing CHILE: Churros con chocolate dough. If it is sticky add more Stuffed vegetables 2 tablespoons of mustard oil 2 cups of uncooked medium or 2 tablespoons of lemon juice flour. Peppers are great to stuff 1.5 tablespoons of Butter Ghee Patricia Alvarez Picture: Simon Chapman long grain rice (rinsed but not (bottled is fine) ATRICIA ALVAREZ says Let it rest for an hour in a because they add colour and are 3-4 small cinnamon sticks soaked) 1/2 cup of tomato sauce her ‘carzones rotos’ have bowl. Then roll it out on a each with a sharp knife. Meanwhile mix the sauce so tasty! Slice the top of the 3 pieces aniseed 2 tablespoons of chopped curly Salt and pepper to taste long been a favourite floured surface, and cut into Then bring one end of the ingredients and whisk well. pepper so it is almost off, but 5 Bay leaves P parsley with her children and her squares the length of your little square over and pass it through To serve, sprinkle with icing leave a ‘hinge’. Scrape out the 2 black cardomom half an onion (chopped fine) Mix all the ingredients for the customers at La Ruca restaurant finger. the slit, forming a twist. Place in sugar when hot or pour over inside of the pepper then stuff it 5 green cardomom 1 tablespoon of chopped dill stuffing in a bowl. If you like it in Gloucester Road. Make a slit in the middle of pan of hot oil until golden. the warm chocolate sauce. about half way to the top. 1 teaspoon fennel seeds Remember the rice is not 1.5 chopped onions cooked yet, so don't over-stuff 5-6 pepper corns Need a helping hand to support you in your veggies. 5 cumin seeds leading a happier and healthier lifestyle? Racial Equality and Cultural Competency Training Cut a piece out of a large 2 teaspoons ground coriander onion so you can remove and Half teaspoon chili powder Bristol Public Health Inner City Health Improvement Team 6/7 fresh coriander leaves are the ones to call. pull apart the layers. Each layer Race Equality and Cultural Competency (RECC) training helps service providers can become a separate stuffed Teaspoon of rose water develop their knowledge and understanding of the relationship between Who are we? onion, so one onion can make Health community development workers work with local people to set several. Again, only stuff them Boil the chicken for 15-20 mental health, race and ethnicity. up or support community groups (mothers and toddlers groups, about half full. Then push one minutes (or the lamb for 45 healthy eating and weight loss groups, emotional support groups), minutes) in an inch of water, plus physical activities, swimming, walks and food projects. end of the onion behind the Who is it for? Feedback adding the powders, and spices Health trainers are people from your community who have been other to seal the onion together. RECC training will benefit all organisations “These materials are a key component of trained by the NHS to support you, either one to one or in a group, in Place your stuffed veggies in to taste. adopting a healthier lifestyle. the centre of a heavy pan, and Meanwhile crush the ginger concerned about mental health. It’s the delivering race equality (DRE) pack the meat snugly around and garlic to make a paste applicable across a range of disciplines programme, and will support mental How can we help you? them before pouring the stock Add to oil and ghee over heat from mental health services to people ♥ Talking and listening to you face to face, and understanding your and mix in the spices health professionals in providing care and difficulties. over it all. working with children and young people ♥ Supporting you, your group or friends to set targets in a wide range Place a heavy ceramic or glass Add the rice and fry gently for support that fully meets the needs of BME of health promotion activities (weight loss, walking, group swimming) plate on top of the veggies to three or four minutes. or people seeking asylum. It is appropriate patients. The close involvement of BME and provide regular health checks. keep them together while they ♥ Helping you personally to develop a healthy lifestyle plan. for those working on the front line and service users is unique, and this will ♥ Working with you to prevent long term health problems, such as steam in the stock – making those working at a strategic level. ensure that their concerns are at the obesity or diabetes. them tender and full of flavour. ♥ Organising health promotion events, workshops and campaigns. Cover and cook on medium forefront of training and the promotion ♥ Directing you to wellbeing projects and social support groups. heat for about 15 minutes, then ♥ Offering you effective lifestyle advice in nutrition, physical activity, of racial equality.” set the heat at low and cook for breastfeeding, alcohol reduction, stopping smoking, sexual health ad - If you would like to know more please - Louis Appleby, national director for vice, mental health awareness and information. another 45-60 minutes. See how nice the inside of the contact Marvin Rees, DRE programme health and criminal justice and professor Where are we? onions look. The rice is nice and manager, NHS Bristol, South Plaza, of psychiatry at the Inner City Health Improvement Team soft and so flavourful. The meat Marlborough Street, Bristol BS1 3NX. University of Manchester Easton Community Centre is tender and has all those Kilburn Street, Easton Telephone: 0117 900 2207 wonderful flavours from the Mobile: 07810 874 033 . Bristol BS5 6AW stuffed veggies in it. 0117 377 1038 www.bristolhealthtrainers.co.uk If you have any stock left, pour it over when serving. Mohammed Shahidul Bristol 12 June 2012 Bristol Globe Bristol Globe June 2012 13 THE CHINA CONNECTION THE CHINA CONNECTION

BRISTOL GLOBE met two outstanding women from the estimated 6,500 people of Chinese origin in the Bristol area – ROSA HUI and WENDY HO SUZANNA HO looks back on her mother’s move from poverty in Purpose, poise and passion China to success in the restaurant business in Bristol Hard work plus Y MOTHER Wendy Ho arrived in the UK in 1973. Hers is the typical migrant story of a girl wanting to better her life and escape HANNAH HODSON caught up with the powerhouse behind the long- the poverty that was ravaging China at the running Bristol and Avon Chinese Womens’ Group in St Paul’s tMime. Born in one of the small family villages that make up in community OSA Hui is diminutive in stature but larger than life Guangzhou in southern China, Wendy had not long been in her energy, determination and commitment. As married when she decided that if she wanted a better life she made her rounds of an art class for elderly for her family they must move abroad. When she and her Chinese women at St Agnes Church in St Paul’s it husband Ah Tong arrived they had no money, educational wRas evident that she is held in high esteem by all she greets. qualifications, skills or spoken English. They found work Purpose, poise and passion are the hallmarks of her leadership in a Chinese restaurant. As a kitchen porter she worked up spells success of Bristol and Avon Chinese Women’s Group (BACWG), to 16 hours a day for £10 per week, but accommodation qualities that no doubt also helped her to carve a successful and meals came with the job. My parents were grateful, business career since she came to the UK 48 years ago. and worked hard. Rosa was born in the picturesque town of Guilin in southern When I was born a few tears later, the restaurant owner China. Her father was a wealthy businessman with branches could no longer keep them on. A friend told Wendy about Always busy for the community: Rosa Hui across the country when the warning came that the a Bristol takeaway where the owners were looking for a Communists were on their way. He moved the family to Hong father,” she reflects. “He was a highly successful rubber couple to work as chef and assistant. Within a month they Kong when Rosa was two years old. She believes it was the importer but didn’t speak English.” were settled above the shop in West Street, Bedminster. A culture of this colonial outpost – where people were prepared She first came to England on a nursing placement, but quickly year later the owner emigrated and my parents took over. to work 24/7 and a pauper could become a millionaire – that decided it was not the job for her: “The sight of blood was Wendy was keen to become an entrepreneur. Over the gave her the drive and optimism she still displays to this day. enough to make my ankles wobbly.” years, they built up the business and she saved hard. “I think I learned my skills as a trader by interpreting for my She found London dull after the vibrancy of Hong Kong but By now she had two sons as well as me. Realising there rather than “become someone’s secretary” she followed in her was a market for Chinese home cooking she embarked on father’s footsteps, studying business and setting up as an her first restaurant, Dynasty, in St Thomas Street, international trade consultant. Redcliffe. That was in 1999. It proved to be a great success By the time of the Tiananmen Square massacre in June 1989 and has since been voted one of the five best Chinese she had established the South West China Trade Centre. The restaurants in the UK by the Observer . Chinese government were to due be partners –but, she recalls, “just before I was to take an official delegation to Beijing, I got a phone call from the Home Office postponing the visit.” Community support Wendy Ho, centre with Wallace Kwong, Chair Bristol My mother really appreciated the support she gained China Partnership, BCP founding chair Kam Wong and Major change from the local community, especially the Bristol China his wife Tracey Wong, with visitors from Guangzhou The subsequent breakdown in trade relations halted three of Partnership (BCP), a charity whose work to spread Rosa’s trade projects and marked a major change in her career. Chinese culture has included the twinning of Bristol with She was not at a loose end, however: four young women were Guangzhou. keen to harness Rosa’s talents and connections to help create a She and the BCP have collaborated on numerous occasions, to Bristol community group for Chinese women. They subjected mutual benefit. Events have provided businesses with insight into her to “daily harassment, bombardment and blackmail”, she China, and helped to build links with the universities and recalls, until she agreed to help them for three months. museums, the city council and the South West Regional AfrikaEye Film Festival “It was the longest three months I had ever experienced,” she Development Agency. Among the guests have been the Mayor of says – 23 years on, she is still with BACWG. “When I make Guangzhou and other dignitaries, helping to put Bristol on the Kalahari Moon , the southern African shop in map overseas. promises I make sure I deliver,” says Rosa. the heart of Bristol is pleased to support BACWG now has a team of 11 staff and volunteers providing Now semi-retired, Wendy Ho still puts in a regular appearance Bristol City of Sanctuary Celebrating the a range of services including creative activities, English classes, at Dynasty. My brothers and I began our careers in financial respite care and welfare advice sessions. services, but 10 years ago I gave up City life to work with my Caribbean at the Her connections, commitment and compassion have enabled mother. The family business now includes a Chinese 88-91 The Covered Market her to bridge the gaps between East and West in both her supermarket beneath Dynasty, Zen restaurant on the St Nicholas Market Harbourside, and the Japanese restaurant Obento in Baldwin business and her charity work. Corn Street Watershed, Bristol “In the West you have to be open and ask for help. In the East Street. that is a sign of weakness, and shame,” she explains. In 2009 she I am studying part time in Beijing to familiarise myself with Bristol BS1 1JQ got an MBE for her work with Chinese community in Bristol, contemporary Chinese culture and build my own networks. I November 9 to November 11, 2012 and there have been numerous other accolades, including have learned from my mother not only the virtue of hard work Tel: 0117 929 9879/ 07886 887 523 becoming a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Bristol in 2006. but also the value of building solid links with the local community and its organisations. www.afrikaeye.org.uk • For more information about Bristol and Avon Chinese Womens’ Email: [email protected] | Group: www.bacwg.co.uk ; 0117 9351462 • www.bristol-china-partnership.com www.kalaharimoon.co.uk

14 June 2012 Bristol Globe Bristol Globe June 2012 15 CITY OF SANCTUARY LAUNCH CITY OF SANCTUARY LAUNCH

Such a lot to celebrate as the City of Sanctuary finally comes to life

UNDREDS of people filled the Council different parts of Bristol. After the formal speeches and House, College Green and Bristol refreshments they danced across College Green carrying Cathedral in an afternoon of cultural distinctive light blue parasols symbolising sanctuary to events to celebrate the official launch of add messages of hope and solidarity on to a tent of HBristol as a City of Sanctuary, on 22 June 2011. colours. In the cathedral there were moving words from It was the splendid culmination of almost two years of the world’s religions, interspersed with music, song and hard work to involve community groups, the business dance as the crowds circulated around makeshift world and Bristol City Council in a campaign to join performance areas. other cities throughout the UK that are proud to offer safety, support, and a secure future for people who have • Pictures by Adam Laity, George Ferguson, Laura fled oppression elsewhere in the world. Saunders, Liz Crew, Marc Simmons, Monica Connell and Participants processed to the Council House from Ruth Davey.

16 June 2012 Bristol Globe Bristol Globe June 2012 17 FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION OPINION IVERSITY is a word easily used. People mean different show real care and openness. I have traced these feelings back to things by it. Some use it to indicate that not everyone the ideology of eugenics, which approves the weeding out of those is ‘white’, trying not to sound openly racist. Such considered in some way deficient. Friends get afraid of being conversations often quickly descend into listing associated with the ‘weak and needy’ and make me assimilate or Changing Dproblems with ‘diversity’. compromise on my needs. There is a deeply ingrained fear of Others want to celebrate diversity selection for destruction, when even at festivals with food and music OPINION: Diversit y acting as an ally to the ‘weak’ could from different cultures, viewing endanger life. difference merely as ‘exotic’. I realised that if my mother had Diversity can indeed be a cause for by CHRISTIEN VAN DEN ANKER known of my disability she would attitudes celebration, if we give it some have aborted me. These fears were thought and the learning is mutual. most clearly felt at a visit to former Either way, challenging questions Nazi concentration camps remain about the standpoint from Auschwitz and Birkenau in Poland which the notion of diversity is where killing of the ‘weak’ actually viewed. happened. to abuse I discovered the complexity of The pressure to fit in and be diversity when diagnosed with perfected is also present in the young onset Parkinson’s disease at experiences with medical staff. the age of 43 in August 2009. Pressure to take drugs that reduce I quickly learned several important symptoms fits with wanting to lessons. Firstly, the symptoms do make ‘anomalies’ go away – to that’s no not create the biggest challenge. strive for purity. For a long time the Tremor, stiffness, confusion, idea of disability was seen as a memory challenges, low mood and problem of the disabled person and incontinence can all be lived with. not one created by society, and from They improve with a mixture of eugenics we inherit the notion of Shining a light: Young film-makers at work on Silent Scream counseling, rest, exercise, disabled persons themselves as the longer acupuncture, diet and conventional problem. LISA ZIMMERMAN reports on a ground-breaking national initiative by Bristol young people medication. The fear of potential exclusion We can all from society, and ultimately from IXTY young people have been preparing for a major national conference ‘Progressive’ about female genital mutilation (FGM) to be held at Bristol University in life itself, puts pressure not only on July. The event will address three audiences separately – medical Harder for me was to experience those who can’t keep up but on S people’s attitudes to disability and everyone else still trying. We can see professionals; teachers, police and policy makers; and young people. kept silent long-term illness. In the medical it in constant competition and the FGM is a very sensitive and traditionally taboo subject, still practised in more than 28 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. world there is a focus on symptoms pursuit of more money and physical getting worse. After commenting celebrate ‘perfection’, and pressures on Aiding and abetting FGM is a crime carrying a sentence of up to 14 years. But although it is known that many young that I had many symptoms, a parents trying to ‘perfect’ their women from the UK are taken abroad during the school neurologist once asked me: ‘Are you children, physically and in terms of summer holidays for what is sometimes called female still working?’ His negative education and mental health circumcision, there has yet to be a prosecution. emphasis on the ‘progressive’ nature standards. The issue was brought to life when a group of young of the disease does not reflect the So when celebrating diversity we reality of my life and creates fear of diversity but women working with charity Integrate Bristol made a need to remember we are going powerful radio drama entitled Why? They chose radio the future in me. against a long tradition of excluding because it allowed them and their Somali interviewees more Reactions from people I don’t anyone who is different from the privacy – and they were quick to see success when the project know can sometimes also reflect a norm. Migrants are also subjected was featured on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour . similar focus on symptoms and to this. The eugenics ideology was Empowered by the success of Why? , 27 young women then inability, creating doubts about the explicitly racist and created right to exist as a ‘disabled’ person. I do we really made a short drama documentary Silent Scream to raise migration barriers, quotas and awareness about FGM, winning a Special Commendation was upset to find out that I shared limits on the right to a family life by from the the Chief Constable of Avon & Somerset Police. that doubt myself. restricting childbirth in migrant Earlier this year their film won the First Light 2012 Voices Most surprising twas to experience communities. award. Their efforts were also praised at the launch of the how people close to me changed When we celebrate diversity we Bristol Local Safeguarding Children's Board summer their attitude towards me. They should also remain aware of the ranged from urgently wanting to understand it? campaign against FGM on May 29, and were featured on BBC pressure we can put upon people TV’s Points West . help, expressing excessive sadness, simply by perceiving them as Representatives from the group working on the FGM telling me of others who are ill, ‘different’. conference will join a round-table discussion at the Home their own health issues, or how glad they are to have healthy * Christien van den Anker is a Reader in Human Rights at the University Office, and meet Equalities Minister Lynn Featherstone. bodies, to telling me what to do to cure myself or make my of the West of England, and founding trustee of Bristol’s Migrant Rights Integrate Bristol is a charity which helps young people symptoms go away. Centre.. She has published widely – most recently Human rights and from other countries to adapt to their new environment. Some can only see me as ill. They don’t accept me talking about migration , (Palgrave, 2011, edited with Ilse van Liempt) and helped shape They get help with their learning, and tackle creative projects other aspects of my life. They require me to only show loss and policy to prevent human trafficking. Her current project is on labour on issues they identify as important. upset, and refuse to hear about overcoming some symptoms. But I exploitation of undocumented migrants in Bristol. She lives in Horfield Both the film and radio drama have won awards • For more details visit www.integratebristol.org.uk am not my condition. I want to share all aspects of my life and with her partner with whom she co-manages Kookoo Café in Gloucester thinking – not only Parkinson’s. Fortunately, many people also Road, Bristol.

18 June 2012 Bristol Globe Bristol Globe June 2012 19 LIFE IN EXILE LIFE IN EXILE Left : Memorial to the 5,000 Kurds killed in Halabja by Saddam Hussein Picture: Kurdistan Photo/Jan Sefti

Right : The extent of old Kurdistan

Exiled Kurdish journalist ALI ZALME reflects upon the challenge of changing identities as each generation comes to terms with their Kurds are forced new lives as immigrants

Y teenage son’s bedroom in Bristol contains a slim LCD TV and PlayStation 3. He is connected to the internet via to make their Making their home anew: The Zalme family – from left, son Dadyr, 16, daughter Dien, 7, Nigar and Ali Mhis mobile phone and his laptop, and spends much of his spare time gaming and chatting operating in the Zagros mountains on the considering themselves part of a nation innocent civilians. I have images of the with his friends online. His little room has Iraq-Iran border, and anyone tuning into separate from the country they were born burned bodies of babies and children, their becomes a virtual world in which he can their broadcasts was considered a separatist. into. They know that Kurdistan is a fertile parents and grandparents scattered across connect to his peers anywhere. So, within one family and across one land, and the portion in Iran includes the oil the streets and fields, but they are too When I was a teenager in Halabja, a city generation, we have two different Kurdish rich region of Kermanshah. Only Iran horrible to show. in Northern Iraq, the wall of my little immigrants – father and son – yet a shared formally acknowledges the existence of the Small wonder that many Kurdish families homes abroad heritage which few people in our new Kurds by naming a province Kurdistan, and individuals emigrated. There could be sleeping space – I didn’t have my own bedroom – was bedecked with portraits of home know much about. although it only covers a small part of what as many as 250,000 Kurds in the UK, mostly the famous martyrs of the Kurdish nation. Kurds in Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey have was Kurdish territory in Persia. Turkey and from Iraq. In western Europe only We called them freedom fighters or loyalty to Kurdistan was considered Robin van Persie, their striker. Back in long recalled that they belong to ‘the Syria were in denial about the presence of Germany has more. Continued political Peshmerga (those who face death). Beside treason, and Kurds were executed or Halabja, there were always photocopies of biggest nation without a state’, even if they Kurds until quite recently. oppression and the repression of ethnic and them hung the flag of our stateless nation sentenced to life imprisonment just for prohibited newspapers and a few political are not allowed to express such sentiments After the first Gulf War of 1991 the Kurds religious minorities in Iraq, Iran and Syria with slogans like ‘Freedom for Kurdistan’. sympathising with their national identity. leaflets hidden under my pillow. The only in public. Kurdistan is a geographically in Iraq entered a new era. The favourable has stimulated more recent migrations. The then government of Iraq strictly Now, when I enter my son’s room the first technology I possessed was my beloved homogenous land which was first divided in international situation resulted in the There are only about a thousand Kurds in forbade the display of these symbols of thing I see is an Arsenal football team little radio, from which I heard about the the 16th century among the two great formation of a de-facto Kurdish Bristol. Larger numbers have settled in Kurdish national identity. Any show of poster on the wall next to a huge portrait of exploits of the Peshmerga. They were powers of the time, the Safavid and government in what is known as Iraqi Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester Ottoman empires. Kurdistan. Post-Saddam Iraq allows a level and Glasgow. They span several generations Four hundred years later, shortly after the of self-government for Kurds in its northern with many stories to tell. Advising and supporting citizen complainants First World War, Kurdistan was further province including Irbil, Sulaymaniyha and I am now working on a PhD looking at and campaigning for reform of media regulation divided by France and Britain among the Dahuk, but the rights of Kurds were denied the cultural changes and challenges faced since 1993 three newly-established states of Turkey, during the Ba’athist regime. by the Kurdish diaspora. How does the new Iraq and Syria and what was then Persia. generation of Kurds, like my son and Read our main submission to the Leveson Inquiry This was contrary to the peace treaty that Genocide daughter, define their notion of home? Do PITY THE POOR CITIZEN COMPLAINANT had just been signed between the Ottoman they, like their parents, maintain more than at http://mediawise.org.uk/?p=2191 Empire and the Allies. The 1920 Treaty of espite the assertion in the 1958 one sense of a homeland? I hope to discover Sévres had in effect recognised an constitution that Kurds and Arabs how the experience of these young people should live side by side in the “A phenomenally powerful ... catalogue of the “A tremendous piece of work” independent state in Kurdistan, with D compares with that of their parents. How country, the Kurds were subjected to distress suffered by ordinary people at the hands Prof Brian Cathcart , Hacked Off Section III Articles 62-64 scheduling a do they talk about themselves? What are genocide. During the last decades of the of (the) press” referendum for the Kurdistan region to their plans? How do they perceive their new 20th century violence and racial Prof Stephen Barnett , “An important Leveson document” determine its own fate. But the referendum country and the process of integration? discrimination, especially from the Ba’ath University of Westminster Richard Peppiatt , former tabloid journalist never happened and in 1923 Turkish territory was defined instead by the Treaty party, peaked. The worst example was the To escape persecution in Iraq, Ali Zalme came to The MediaWise Trust, University of the West of England, Oldbury Court Road, Bristol BS16 2JP; 0117 93 99 333 of Lausanne, with the current Iraq-Turkey attack on my little home town of Halabja. the UK in April 2001. His family followed in Registered charity 1076003 border only agreed in 1926. On 16 March 1988 airborne attacks using March 2003, just two days before the second Iraq Limited Company 3747192 None of this has prevented Kurds from chemical weapons killed more than 5,000 War began.

20 June 2012 Bristol Globe Bristol Globe June 2012 21 RETURN TO THE GAMBIA RETURN TO THE GAMBIA

Clive Smith, organiser of the Bristol-Gambia trips, St James Island, site of the dungeon where points to St James slaves were kept before transportation Island. "Look, that's the fort. We are crossing sacred water, where our ancestors perished as they Kesert Beckford, 52, swam. This is one big visits the final prison for watery graveyard." men, women and children brought to the West African coast to be sold as slaves. "I've come to find something. My ancestors can't come back, but I came."

AF gurideo presemnts the hSistoryt of thPe islaand anud forlt ’ sPictur est © o Christina Zaba CTrosshing thee Riv eGr Gamabia wmhere onbce shiarka s ate escaped slaves. Now there are only harmless porpoises

IMMIGRATION AND A 200-year-old notice advertising ‘A Cargo of ’VE come here to find something I says Clive. “It restores people’s sense of roots CHRISTINA ZABA The medical centre is empty, the library has no 152 prime healthy young books. For art lessons, the children are given haven’t found yet,” says Fishponds and connectedness. Kids as young as 16 have joins a journey of NATIONALITY Negroes, just engineer Kesert Beckford, peering come with their parents and for many of the sand trays to draw in with their fingers. They arrived...from the river into an old dungeon on St James adults it’s been their first time in Africa as well.” discovery for greet the Bristol group as honoured guests. ¾ Spouse/ Fiancé Visa ¾ British Passport Gambia, after a passage ¾ Visa Sponsorship ¾ Attesting Documents “Island inI the middle of the Gambia River. The For over 100 years, from 1698 onwards, Horfield-based Lisa Smith, 26, thinks that of 35 days. The Negroes Bristolians in Statements ¾ Home Office Travel West African sun beats down overhead. Bristol’s Merchant Venturers and other ship white Bristolians should make the journey to from this part of the West Africa ¾ Visitors/ Family Visa Documents coast of Africa are well “It’s so sad. To see that space the slaves were owners transported nearly half a million Africa too. “When you see how little ¾ Visa Extensions/ ¾ Employer or Educational acquainted with the kept in – how small it was. It makes you want to captives from the coast of West Africa to the people have got in Africa, it puts your Transfers Sponsor License cultivation of rice, and cry.” Kes arrived in Bristol in 1965 from Jamaica, West Indies to be sold as slaves. Brutally treated, own life in perspective. I’d like to ¾ Dependants Visa ¾ APPEALS: Referral Panel are naturally clutching a cardboard suitcase. He was just five. around half died en route. help.” ¾ Indefinite Stay Visa ¾ Home Office Related industrious.’ “The Beckfords were one of the biggest slave In the 1950s and 1960s, some of their In 2007 Clive and Lonnie were ¾ Students – Points Based Correspondence System ¾ Home Office Related plantation owners in Jamaica, so that’s where descendants made the journey the other way – arranging one “return to the ¾ Certificate of Approval Research my name’s from. But in Gambia, people say, from the Caribbean to England, and to Bristol. motherland” trip every year. Now ¾ Work Permits – Points ¾ British Nationality Oh, you’re a Fula man. They can see it. The Clive Smith arrived when he was two years it’s three, including a special trip Based System FREE ADVICE DURING SURGERY TIMES Fula are a big tribe here. old. For 50 years he has lived in St Paul’s. for Bristol and London teachers. ¾ European Nationals (EEA) MONDAY AND SATURDAY BETWEEN 10-12 “For me, Clive is inspirational, setting this trip “To see the place in Africa where the ancestors “I know quite a lot of people up. It’s not a holiday – it’s a movement.” were taken from – it affects everyone. You have who are going back to Gambia CONTACT: MR ZAHEER SHABIR LLB (HONS) ON 07711957425 Award-winning documentary film-maker and to see it for yourself to understand,” he says. for good,” says Clive. “They want All instructions are fee paying and confidential. musician Clive Smith has been organising trips “But we’re also looking forward. We’re to lay down roots. They want the to Gambia for the St Paul’s community with his building a relationship with the village of Kitty peacefulness of it. And to take time

son, Bristol-born Lonnie Smith, since 2007. here in the Gambia. We’re also creating out and see what they can do.” Hundreds of young Bristolians, many of Afro- something, going forward and developing.” • The next Gambia ‘Return to the Caribbean descent, have visited the country and Kitty, an ancient village of 2,000 people some Motherland’ trip will be in December 2012, SUITE 14A, THE OLD CO-OP SHOP, 38-42 CHELSEA ROAD, its slavery sites since. 20 minutes outside Gambia’s second town of followed by two more trips in 2013. Clive Smith: EASTON, BRISTOL BS5 6AF ‘The Juffreh and St James Island trip helps Brikama, has three schools, a medical centre Email Clive Smith at: [email protected] Ruined fort and dungeon “We’re building T: 0117 9413991 E: [email protected] people see the journey we’ve come through,” and a library. What they don’t have is money. at St James Island a relationship”

22 June 2012 Bristol Globe Bristol Globe June 2012 23 EXILED BY WAR

Bristol City Council’s Equalities and Community Cohesion Team delivers policy development, training,

Zyta, above, equalities stakeholder with her parents; right, the engagement and projects to orphanage at Isfahan ensure legislative compliance Pictures © Zyta Szulajewska Zyta Szulajewska at home in Clifton Picture: © Christina Zaba and equalities outcomes. Retired teacher ZYTA SZULAJEWSKA tells CHRISTINA ZABA of her amazing journey from the hell of war to the city she now calls home. Exiled at gunpoint in

Our community cohesion role Y life changed forever in the middle of the night includes leading on strategy on February 10, 1940. I was six years old. the middle of night ‘ArmMed Soviet soldiers banged on our doors and implementation, and windows and woke us up. They said we each cattle truck. In the gulag, if you didn’t Isfahan, paid for from Polish soldiers’ had 20 minutes to pack and leave our home, work – felling trees and other heavy labour wages. We were seated at a proper table, commissioning of cohesion or they would kill us. It was 25 degrees – you didn’t eat. The weak died of hunger given a fork and spoon each, and meat below zero outside. and disease, but you couldn’t bury them in dumplings to eat. The dormitory beds had I lived in the countryside not far from the frozen ground. One man wandered into clean sheets and pillows. It seemed a work, tension monitoring and Lwow in Eastern Poland. My little sisters the forest and was eaten by wolves. fantastic luxury at the time. were four and two, and Mummy was My little brother Romuald was born in the There we had plenty of pomegranates and engagement structures (e.g. pregnant with our little brother. Daddy was gulag and my little sister Lala died there. oranges, and went to school. I stayed until I away at the front. He had served as a major In 1941 we were sent south to Kazakhstan was 16. Then we were moved to Libya. In in the Polish wars for independence against to pick cotton. Conditions were a little 1948 I was sent to England with my sister Building the Bridge). We also the Bolsheviks 20 years before. easier. We were billeted with Tatar farmers, and mother. Some went back to Poland, but He was lucky. Stalin had arrested many who were very poor, but friendly – apart we had nowhere to go back to – our home Polish officers when he invaded Poland’s from the Tatar boys with their ponytails, had been taken by the Soviet Union. deliver a community language eastern border on September 17 1939, after who said they’d cut our throats. But there We landed in Liverpool and lived for some Hitler’s invasion from the west on was no food for babies and Romuald died. years at Stover Hostel near Newton Abbot Interpreting Service to September 1. Thousands were imprisoned in Devon. Granny in Lwow had always said in Soviet death camps. In 1943 the mass Enslaved all girls needed a profession, and my graves of 4,000 Polish officers would be few months later Hitler invaded mother felt the same way, so I worked hard facilitate access to services. found at Katyn. Each had been shot in the Russia. The Polish Prime Minister at school and won a full grant to study back of his head, his hands tied. AGeneral Sikorski met Stalin and history at Bristol University. I got my degree Further information can be found at: The next phase was to deport 1.5 million demanded the release of the Poles enslaved in 1957 and my Teacher’s Certificate in Poles and populate Eastern Poland with in the Soviet Union. 1958. I married and had two boys. Soviet people instead. An amnesty was agreed, and we managed I like Bristol very much. I’ve been a E-mail : [email protected] Mummy tore down the heavy curtains to hire a cart and get to Krasnovodsk on the teacher here for more than 50 years, helping from the windows to wrap my little sisters Caspian Sea. Crowded ships took us to a special needs children in Knowle, Telephone: 0117 922 2329 in. At the last minute one of the soldiers huge resettlement camp at Pahlevi, in Whitchurch and Pucklechurch.’ threw the packed suitcases standing in the British Persia. There our heads were shaved hall into the sled – so saving our lives, to remove the lice, and we got English Mrs Zyta Szulajewska lives in Clifton and is a because they contained our warm clothes. cream crackers and corned beef. We also member of the Bristol Anglo-Polish Society, She We had been preparing to visit Granny in discovered our father had died of typhus. has a Service Award from the World Association Lwow. Instead we were sent to Siberia. As the men and women were sent to fight, of Polish Ex-Combatants and was awarded the The journey took two weeks, 70 people in we children were put in an orphanage in Bristol Lord Mayor's Medal in 2010. 24 June 2012 Bristol Globe Bristol Globe June 2012 25 BRISTOL’S WORLDWIDE TWINS BRISTOL’S WORLDWIDE TWINS ALIX HUGHES describes some of the opportunities opened up for Bristolians by the work of the city’s twinning associations Forging links that go around the world and back RISTOL has been developing strong relationships with cities across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America since 1947. The Bidea of city twinning is to generate understanding and bring benefits to both parties. Last year more than 20 local people visited Georgia in the Caucasus. This was the Bristol-Tbilisi twinning association’s first group visit. It was mirrored when artists from the Georgian capital set up an exhibition at the Bristol Museum. Now the Georgian Ministry of Education is offering Bristolians the chance to volunteer for four months teaching English in Georgia with all expenses paid. Recently Bordeaux in France sent some of its trainee teachers to teach French in South Bristol primary schools. Meanwhile Bristol’s Bank Leaze primary Some 2,000 Bristol children took part in Fairtrade fortnight. Here school has been given the Bristol-Oporto Sandra Rojas from the sesame fields of northern Nicaragua meets schools award to run a whole day of the then Lord Mayor Geoffrey Gollop at Ashton Gate primary school Picture: Jonathan Craig activities on Portugal, and in June Porto Bristol Association members arrive for their annual exchange visit. A primary school in Guangzhou, China has signed an agreement a Clifton primary Left : The Above : Bristol has much to share with its school. The Bristol China Partnership is old town or many international twinning partners helping to organise a trade mission to ‘maidan’ Guangzhou in November, and Bristol of the Badgers baseball team have set up links Georgian with their Chinese counterparts. capital Right : Clifton resident Roz Payne, The Oberbuergermeister of Hannover in Tblisi, director of the Montessori pre-school, Germany brought several chief executives one of meets some of the under fives in Puerto from companies involved in green Bristol’s Morazan, Bristol’s twin town in Nicaragua. Roz and many other technologies for a conference in Bristol. most Bristolians have been helping to support Meanwhile students from UWE spent two recent twins the children’s education for 10 years weeks in Hannover studying the city’s sustainable urban development plans. Bristol Link with Nicaragua supporters ran the Bristol 10K and the London How ordinary citizens healed the wounds of war marathon raising thousands of pounds for development projects in Bristol’s twin Dr JOHN VEALE, the longest serving representing the city council, over the years, and there is now a very town Puerto Morazan, including drinking member of the Bristol-Hannover Council, education, youth, business and the strong bond between the cities. wells and latrines for under-fives. And in recalls its origins. arts, travelled to Hannover on a In Bristol this partnership is addition more than 200 local footballers URING the bitter winter of goodwill mission taking with them managed by the Bristol-Hannover took part in the association’s annual Copa 1947 Bristolians reached out shoes for the children and other items Council and in Germany by the Sandino 5-a-side tournament in May. Dto help residents of Han nover collected by well-wishers. Hannover-Bristol Gesellschaft, both Bristol Link with Beira in Mozambique where children were unable to go to It was the first such visit from run by local citizens. There are regular has raised funds to set up a wheelchair school because they had no shoes. postwar Britain, and many young exchange visits and links between workshop (more on this on pages 8 and 9) The German city was in ruins after people from Hannover were later educational, cultural, sporting, and also co-ordinated a project to build a World War II. There was no fuel and welcomed into the homes of environmental and business groups new drop-in centre in Beira for children little food, and the local population Bristolians. Strong links developed continue to be developed. with learning disabilities. was swollen with thousands of between schools, universities, • For more information, see All citizens of Bristol are welcome to join refugees from Soviet-occupied churches, music groups, trades unions www.bristolhannovercouncil.org.uk any or all of the twinning associations, and territory. Five leading Bristolians, and many others. These have grown or call Dr John Veale on 0117 956 7113. The German Christmas market – now a popular feature in Bristol enjoy the activities and the experience of making links across the world.

26 June 2012 Bristol Globe Bristol Globe June 2012 27 CHANGING LIVES IN MOZAMBIQUE & NICARAGUA CHANGING LIVES IN MOZAMBIQUE & NICARAGUA How Bristol stretched a The personal links that are helping to helping hand at city’s low point in history

transform attitudes toward disability in HE ports of Beira and Bristol this year celebrate 21 years as Making Ttwin cities. Former Evening Post wheelchairs and Western Daily Press journalist Susie in Beira Weldon has documented the struggles in Mozambique with help and successes of the UK’s only from Bristol. Mozambique twinning in a new book to The aim is mark this special anniversary. to have a STEVE STRONG of Bristol Beira Link explains about disability among families and Her book Sun, Sea and Solidarity is communities. One group who suffer from facility of international based on interviews with people closely how the massive health problems in this are people with spinal cord injuries. standard associated with twinning. It tells of how Mozambique are being helped in a practical, Recent research has shown that people the apartheid regime in South Africa personal way by Bristol people with spinal injuries are dying as a result of funded a catastrophic war to destabilise pressure sores and infections caused by the first independent government of poor information, poor rehabilitation Mozambique, after the Portuguese fled EARS of colonial neglect and the services and a lack of appropriate their former colony in 1975. legacy of a 16-year civil war have equipment. In a civil war that lasted for 15 years, Yleft Mozambique with a fragile and There are also significant challenges as a clinics and schools were destroyed and patchy health service, particularly in rural result of HIV. In Beira, one of Bristol’s • Supporting the work of Acrideme to which can support people in their day-to- children forced to fight. A group of areas. Only 30-50 per cent of the twin towns, it is estimated that the virus is set up a day centre and outreach support day lives. people from Bristol decided to show population have basic health services. present in 23 per cent of adults. In for families with disabled children, We have negotiated a partnership solidarity with the With a life expectancy of just 42 and an Mozambique as a whole there are nearly especially those with learning disabilities, between the West of England Centre for progressive approach under-five mortality rate of 168 per 1,000, 500,000 orphans as a result of HIV. This helped by Bristol’s Brandon Trust. Independent Living (WECIL) – the of the Mozambican the health statistics for Mozambique, still background raises massive challenges and • Helping Ajodemo, an organisation led leading organisation run by disabled leadership. Through one of the world’s poorest countries, over recent years the Bristol link with by disabled people in Beira to train people in the Bristol area – and Ajodemo. many ups and downs make uncomfortable reading. Beira has helped to tackle some of these technicians to make wheelchairs to an We can always use support and the links they built The situation for disabled people is even issues. Current work includes: international standard. We are applying donations to help us in our work – the with the city of Beira more difficult. About 10 per cent of the • With our sister organisation Bristol for funding which could help this project more resources we have, the more we can have flourished – population of 20 million are disabled. ACTSA, supporting the work of Amai develop into the leading centre for do. There is no shortage of ideas about including school Typically they suffer poverty, low levels of Musenanhi – a women’s organisation in wheelchair manufacture in Mozambique. projects that could be initiated! partnerships, Fairtrade education education, low self-esteem, plus Beira – to run a day centre for children All our work is guided by the people and • To find out more visit projects, the building of a regional Mobile: Johane Joaquim Joao is first discrimination and neglect. orphaned by HIV, including generating organisations in Beira. Our focus is on www.bristolbeiralink.org or contact Steve wheelchair production workshop and an to receive one of the new wheelchairs There is a general lack of understanding income to pay for medication. personal connections and practical activity Strong at [email protected] HIV/Aids awareness programme based on football. Alix Hughes from Bristol Link with Beira said of the book: “It really gets to Cup cakes and chimichangas help footballers Cup cakes and chimichangas the heart of the relationship between these two great cities. It shows what ORE than 200 footballers enjoyed a Brazilians, Chileans, Colombians, Brazilians, amazing things can be achieved when great day out at the Bristol Link with Mexicans, Nicaraguans, Portuguese and Spanish. ordinary people refuse to accept Nicaragua’s Copa Sandino M Guest teams from local Iranian and Zimbabwean injustice and the belief that you can’t tournament at Ashton Park School on May 20. associations have also entered the tournament. change anything.” This annual five-a-side charity event first took The Salmons from Bedminster beat the Commenting from the Mozambican place in 1987, two years before the city twinned Chileans from La Ruca in the final of the 2012 capital Maputo, the British High with Puerto Morazan. It is a fundraising event Copa Sandino, named after 1930s Commissioner Shaun Cleary said: “The with players obtaining sponsorship, raffles of Nicaraguan hero Augusto Sandino. The Copa people of Bristol reached out to the beer and the like as well as food stalls – Lucrecia Lindo for women, named after a 1970s people of Beira at one of the lowest chimichangas (deep-fried stuffed tortillas) and revolutionary martyr from near Puerto points in Mozambique’s history, and cup cakes were popular this year. Morazan, was won by Easton Cowgirls. they have been travelling a remarkable So far supporters have raised more than Pedro Lambert, goalkeeper for the BLINC journey together ever since.” £20,000 which has gone towards a range of squad, said afterwards: “This year’s event has Appropriately the book was launched projects in our sister city. It has helped eradicate been a great success. Players of all ages and on African Liberation Day (May 25), at mosquito breeding grounds, supply drinking abilities turned up, and the referees certainly Bristol’s Central Library in the presence water for under-fives and installing toilets. learned a few choice words to use when they go of Senora Ilda Raivoso from the This year there were 20 men’s teams and four to Central America next time.” Mozambican High Commission. women’s teams, many representing Bristol’s • www.bristolnicaragua.wordpress.com If you speak Julia Williams of Missfits • Sun, Sea and Solidarity (£5.99) is available Cupholders Sleep When Yer Dead (green) take on Bridgwater Intl Latino community which includes Argentinians, Spanish you could do voluntary work in Nicaragua. versus Easton Cowgirls from bookshops and from ww.tangentbooks.co.uk

28 June 2012 Bristol Globe Bristol Globe June 2012 29 WOMEN OF BRISTOL WOMEN OF BRISTOL EUGENE BYRNE casts a historical eye over Mary Amelia Edwards women who have made their mark on the city Carpenter Indira Gandhi (1917-1984) (1831-1892) but whose stories are often forgotten (1807-1877) As the daughter of A talented writer The daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, from an early Bristol preacher independent India's first VEN those Bristolians who age, Edwards was Lant Carpenter, prime minister, she briefly a successful consider themselves natives can she set up a attended Bristol's almost always trace their novelist before ‘ragged school’ Badminton School. Later traveling to Egypt ancestors back to other countries. in Bristol to give she became India's Prime AEnd it’s hardly surprising given that for where she fell in the poorest Minister, only the second love with its almost all of its thousand-year history, the children an education. She then female head of city has lived on trade and commerce. history. She co- founded pioneering reformatories government in the world. founded what is With trade, came people: Bristol has a for children with criminal records; She was elected three very long history of remarkable people now the Egypt one for boys at Kingswood, one for times, becoming one of the Exploration who have come into the city, or who have girls at the Red Lodge, Park Row. most famous people on the left to travel the world. Society to Her focus was the welfare and planet. Credited with doing preserve and Local history books have tended to focus education of poor and delinquent much to improve the lives on men with international connections. but research ancient children. She also made four trips to of the poor and to drag Egyptian history there are plenty of women who have come India to set up girls’ schools and India away from the from or have links with elsewhere, whose and devoted the lobby for prison reform. There is a shadow of colonial rule rest of her life to talents and contributions also deserve memorial to her in Bristol cathedral, and caste politics, she was appreciation. Some are well-known to local studying ancient and you can see her grave in Arnos assassinated in 1984. Egypt. historians, such as the medieval merchant Vale cemetery. Alice Chestre, who took over her husband's trade when he died in 1471 and dealt in Eugénie de Montijo wine and wool with Spain, France and (1826-1920) Portugal. This was at a time when it was This Spanish-born almost unheard of for a woman to go into aristocrat would business. become empress of For less famous women, we can only rely France as the wife of on occasional mentions in old legal Napoleon III. In a documents and records. We know, for lesser-known episode example, that there were Africans in Bristol of her life she and from at least the 1500s (and probably her sister were sent earlier), and their numbers grew during the Elizabeth Blackwell (1821- to a boarding school era of slavery. 1910) The world's first woman Marya Antonina on Royal York to qualify as a doctor, Czaplicka Slavery Crescent, Clifton. Elizabeth was born in Bristol, (1884–1921) A The girls were very emigrating to America with pioneer of unhappy here, as was her family at the age of nine. anthropology and he position of black people in one of their When she graduated in Polish-born, she England when slavery was legal is schoolmates, an medicine – a profession open travelled in Siberia often unclear; some were T Indian princess. The only to men – she came top of and Central Asia undoubtedly slaves, but many were not. In three of them her class of 150. Her father before coming to the early 1600s, for instance, a black woman conspired to disguise was an active campaigner England. She named Katherine, who may have been a themselves and take against slavery, and so was taught at Oxford slave, was working at a tavern on Christmas a ship home from she. During the Civil War she Ruby McGregor-Smith (1963- ) Picture: VisMedia and then Bristol Steps. Bristol docks but helped set up medical services Born in Lucknow, India, her family moved to Britain when she was two years University before However the black woman named (probably fortunately for the Union army. She old. She qualified as an accountant and by 2007 had become the chief tragically taking Catellena who died at Almondsbury in 1625 for them) they were opened a hospital for women executive of Bristol-based outsourcing firm MITIE, with an annual turnover of her own life, was almost certainly free because she left caught and returned and children in New York, £1.9bn. She is the first Asian-born woman to head a FTSE 250 company and apparently over goods worth over £6 in her will. For a to the school. later returning to England. was awarded the CBE in 2012 for services to business and diversity in business. money problems. working person at this time, this was a respectable sum; she was not rich, but she wasn't poor either. Some years later, the records of the Baptist chapel in Broadmead made their mark on Bristol mention an Meet the women who ‘Ethiopian’ named Frances who worked as a servant. Frances was evidently a valued more about these women and their stories. • Find out more The following books should about some of the most famous (and artist Simon Gurr is designed to make excellent account of all the different peoples member of the Baptist congregation and For now, though, we have to make do with be available from your local library. infamous!) women in Bristol's history. Bristol's history simple and fun to read. who have settled in Bristol from earliest almost certainly a free woman. the better known Bristol women with 100 Women of Bristol (Bristol City The Bristol Story (Bristol Cultural Bristol: Ethnic Minorities and the City, times onwards, from Jews to Icelandic Perhaps one day historians will discover international connections. These pages Council, 2002) by Shirley Brown and Dawn Development Partnership, 2008) written by 1000-2001 (University of London, 2007) by people, the Irish, Welsh and Afro- some ancient documents that will tell us show just a few examples. Dyer is a small and very readable book Eugene Byrne and illustrated by graphic Madge Dresser and Peter Fleming is an Caribbeans. 30 June 2012 Bristol Globe Bristol Globe June 2012 31 PROFILE

Language for Rights Project Language Volunteers June is looking for wanted! Bristol City Council wants to complement main - The Language for Rights project stream English as a Second Language (ESOL) is a new and exciting project look - resources and programmes by focusing on gaps in ing at different ways to support migrants to learn English. We are provision. The City Council wants to experiment with offering a number of learning ac - innovative approaches to language support that can tivities to support adults to access also contribute to wider priorities such as community fresh inspiration informal community based learn - ing. One of these activities in - cohesion, employability and raising children’s clude language mentoring. achievement. switched to career JUNE BURROUGH talks to FORWARD The Learning Communities Team counselling, helping those MAISOKWADZO about the inspiration behind is looking for volunteers who will After considering a range of options, the Council made redundant to plan for give up a few hours a week for 3 Bristol’s Pierian Centre, and its legacy their future. wishes to invest in a range of ‘Language for Rights’ months to support another person “I had the experience of activities including: to practice their English. This will ORE than 800 people the most horrible training help new residents improve their attended a moving rooms – rooms that didn’t local knowledge of life in Bristol. Informal Community Based ESOL Programmes ceremony to mark the even have natural light – As part of the Learning Communities Team core menu, we will increase closure of the Pierian Centre and that’s not a helpful As a volunteer you will get train - the range and volume of short, free, informal ESOL related programmes. iMn St Pauls on December 6, 2011. Named environment to learn in,” Courses will be geared towards improving learner’s language and after a legendary Greek spring from which she says, which explains the ing and advice. independence skills through a range of embedded topics, including: the Muses drank, the Pieirian Centre was light and airy feel she the birthplace in 2008 of Bristol’s City of created when converting If you are interested in this role citizenship, health, learning for work, education & settling in Bristol. Sanctuary (BCoS) movement and housed the five-storey Georgian please send us a short summary Programmes will be delivered through a range of local providers and many social, arts and educational activities. listed building in Portland of why you are interested to this employment support agencies with experience of working with our priority The huge turnout was a tribute to its Square. address: communities. founder, June Burrough, who chaired BCoS Those who remember the Potential learners will be able to access these programmes through a for two years. permanent supply of tea, The Learning Communities Team range of local publicity and ‘word of mouth’ referral routes through local Her vision had been to create “a beautiful, coffee and biscuits can The Park, Knowle, community agencies, schools, children’s centres, health services, other Bristol BS4 1DQ homely place that would provide a thank June’s mother, who frontline services. supportive and safe learning environment was hot on hospitality. that could meet the diverse needs of a For more information please con - multicultural area in Bristol”. Beautiful tact Suad Abdullahi at the Learning Communities Team on ESOL Volunteer Programme – Language volunteer She succeeded and it became a hive of “I think my whole June Burrough: Ready for a new 0117 903 9763 or email To ensure more people can access informal language support, we will arts, educational and community activity. concept of how important challenge after founding Bristol’s train a team of 40 ESOL volunteers who can provide 1-to-1 mentoring and Latterly 30,000 people walked through its environment is comes from innovative Pierian Centre [email protected] doors each year. her skill at keeping a really Picture: Chris Porter Due to the nature of this role ap - who can also facilitate informal groups. June’s inspiration was a long stay with an beautiful home,” said June. plicants are subjected to an en - Volunteers will be recruited both city wide and from priority Aboriginal community in Australia while She also credits her parents with her eye for child, it felt that somebody who was not as hanced criminal bureau records neighbourhoods. Their training programme will provide them with basic on a long trip to celebrate turning 40. decoration. “My mother was an amazing well off, or who hadn’t been educated to a check. We welcome applicants language support resources and information to support wider issues, e.g. “The experience was extraordinary. I was painter. Her home was an expression of her high standard, shouldn’t be judged as being from all equalities communities. dealing with discrimination; using public services; getting involved in the adopted by the Aboriginal community. I creative spirit. My father was a craftsman lesser,” she says. local community etc. was given the name Mulunda Wanambi. and managed woodlands.” Her wish to support the disadvantaged Mulunda is a wood swallow, and they Her father also played the piano and had and regenerate St Paul’s turned the Pierian Migrant Worker Support Programme migrate. They knew that I was going to learned the clarinet in a prisoner-of-war Centre into a community hub. It led To enable migrant workers to obtain essential language support, we will leave them,” she said. camp, while at the public school where he Bristol’s contribution to the European Year engage with local employers and with relevant employment support and “What really struck me was that nobody taught he took charge of the theatre. for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion community agencies to identify employee support needs and activities. owned anything. Everything belonged to With her mother “always encouraging me in 2010. The highlight was Portents, a We will link with local partners including Trade Unions to explore options the community. The land didn’t belong to to join choirs and drama societies and be community art installation on College for targeted ESOL support. We will provide customised informal courses, anybody, it belonged to everybody.” involved in things,” June’s advocacy of the Green that gave voice to 45 local groups language volunteers and sign-posting to support employees to get on in June wanted the Pierian Centre to instil arts as an agent for change is no surprise. and attracted over 11,000 visitors. work. “the same sense of equality”. “I think the role of the arts at the Pierian June is off to Zimbabwe in July to visit Migrant workers will also be supplied with customised information and Australian immigration rules forced her Centre – to give people a voice, to celebrate Fidelis Mherembi’s Music for All project. sign-posting to a range of local services, including FE college courses, return to the UK despite her strong desire peoples’ cultures, to allow a way of “It’s my final Pierian commitment,” she support groups, employment support services. to remain in the country. Instead she communicating that goes beyond language explains. “After that that I have no idea If you would like to know how to get involved in this programme please opened the Pierian Centre in 200, bringing or race - was an inevitable consequence of where I am going. I am passionate that contact Suad Abdullahi, project coordinator on 0117 903 9763 or email brought together many strands of her life. my early years,” she says. those who are unseen are given an [email protected] She had first come to Bristol in 1970s to Brought up in Norfolk, she felt “very opportunity to be visible. To be some kind work at the Old Vic theatre, having trained uneasy’ with the class divisions still in of ambassador for social inclusion and the as a drama teacher. In the 1980s she evidence in the 1950s. “Even as a young arts would be exciting ...”

32 June 2012 Bristol Globe Bristol Globe June 2012 33 HowHow ccanan youyou welcomewelcome peoplepeople seekingseeking sanctuary?sanctuary? Thhee rst ststepep in yyourour supporsupportt fforor CCityity off SSanctuaryanctuary is ttoo sigsignn a pledge.pledgege. PPleaselease see our wwebsiteebsite or ccontactontact us forfor detailsdetails.. ItIt wouldwould be vveryery helpful if youyou agreedagreed toto be included on our list of ororganisationsganisations andnd individuals who hahaveve pledgeddged supporsupport.t. Bristol Refugee Rights Bristol-based charity Whathat iiss CityCity ofof Sanctuary?Sanctuary? Moreore iideas...deas... The Bristol Zimbabwe Association is a registered not-for-profit com - engaged in human rights work for asylum seekers munity organisation. A nationalnational movementmovemennt of local people and ororganisationsganisanisations wworkingorking toto make theirheir citycity a t
InviteInvite aann asylumasylum sseekereeker oror refugeerefugee ttoo ccomeome ttoo speakspeak ooff ttheirheir eexperiencexperience ttoo yyourour and refugees Vision : placeplace of welcomewelcome andd safetysaffetety forfor people seekseekinging sanctuarysanctuary fromfrom wwarar and persecution.ersecution. o organisationrganisation oorr ttoo a ggrouproup ofof organisationsorganisations inin youryour aarea.rea. ((ContactContact uuss ffoforor ddetails)etails) We want to live in a society in which the Zimbabwean community in t
InuenceInuence others: challenge mythsmyths andnd ststereotypes.ereotypes. Bristol are part of an inclusive society of people enjoying equal rights, Our mission is to welcome asylum seekers and access to services, opportunities and civil liberties, making a proactive BristolBristol – pproudroud toto bebe a placeplace ofof safety!saffeety! t
Oerer volunteervolununteer placplacementsements forfor suitablybly skilledskilled refugeesrefugees or asylumum seekersseekers.. refugees in Bristol. contribution to the City’s vibrant life and ethos. t
AdvertiseAdvertisee paid jobs on rrefugeeefugee netnetworks.works. Objectives : t
Bristolristol has forfor yyearsearsrs ooerederered a wwelcomeelcome toto peopeoplep oplep whose liveslivvees werewere in dangerger in their ownown countries.countries. t
Consideronsider appointingappointing refugeesrefugees ttoo pospositionssitions of rresponsibilityesponsibility in yyourour ccommunity.ommunity. • To advance issues of concern to the Zimbabwean community in Bris - Together we create a place of solidarity and trust. tol; t

BristolBristol - onceonce knownknowwn as a citcityy of slaveryslavery - is growinggrowing nownow inintoto a citycity of sancsanctuary.nctuary. t
OerOerer meetingeting spacespace toto an asylum orr rrefugeeefugee communitycommunity ggroup.roupp. • To promote and raise awareness of the public and decision makers We challenge the injustices that we experience t

FundraiseFundraisee fforor an asylumylum or rrefugeeefugee charcharity.ity. about the needs and aspirations of the Zimbabwean community, as and witness in the UK. well as about their positive contributions to the UK society, particularly WhyWhy CityCity ooff SanctuarySanctuary inin Bristol?Bristol? t
ContributeContributte toto the harhardshipdship fund toto rrelieveeelieve destitution.on in the Bristol area; t
Oerer toto be partpart of a subsub-group-groupup – e.g:e.g: wworkingorking on ccommunityommunitm y safety;safaffetety; t
ManyMany hahhaveve lost theireir homes and families but havehave brbroughtought new skskills,ills, mumusic,usic, ffoodood • To promote and preserve the Zimbabwean culture and heritage employment;employmennt; schools; ESOL,SOL, FFurtherurtherr andd HHigherigher Education;Educaation; arartsts and leisurleisuree aand nd harhardd workworrk toto build our citycity ; wewe wwantant toto ccelebrateelebrate the ccontributionontribution of the Learning from each other we develop What we do : ac activities;tivities;ties;; acactiontion thrthroughouughh faith ggroups.roupsps. manymanany peoplee whoo hahaveve comecome herehere forfor safsafety.ety. partnerships and links with the wider community Our services include networks, representation, information sharing, t

Puubliciseblicisese CCityity of SSanctuary,anctuary, RRefugeeefugee WWeekeekk and other rrefugeeeffugee eveventsvents within website, conferences and meetings, signposting, well-being (sports, in t

ManyMany ffeeleel isolaisolatedtedd or araree in greatgreat need or ffear:fearearr: wwee wwantant ttoo sprspreadead a culturcultureure of to promote equality of opportunity for asylum yyourouro ccommunity.oommunitmmunity. particular football) and working in partnerships. hospitalityhospitalitality and prpracticalactical supportsupport ththroughouthroughout the whole of BrBristol.istol. seekers and refugees. The Association runs ZIMBA FC – a multinational football club aimed to t
Publiciseblicisei opporopportunitiest ities tto volunteerl withith refugeer f charities.h iti You can be part of this through a simple pledge – see back page. use football as a vehicle to for social development and inclusion as t
Sign o your email with a note about refugees. Drop-in Welcome Centre for asylum seekers well as raising the community’s profile. and new refugees - opening (from August 2012) c/o Refugee Action 43-45 Easton Business Centre, Felix Road, Bristol in Malcolm X Centre St Paul’s BS5 0HE

Tel: 0117 941 5969 Mobile: 079 19894 900 [email protected] Email: [email protected] 0117 908 0844 www.bristolrefugeerights.org www.bristolzimbabweassociation.org.uk Limited Company No. 6717793

African Voices Forum

A membership organisation

whose main aim is to provide

« support to African and « o get Living with HIV? African-Caribbean Want t We offer free confidential and Community Associations and into work? independent advice and support for Organisations, as well as acancies, rrent job v other community interest ccess to cu s people affected by HIV With a application organisations working to lp you with we can he n. Our preparatio empower people of African descent. nd interview e 176 Easton Road, Bristol, BS5 0ES a s will ensur sive course inten ght skills Tel: 0117 955 5038 Vision : Active and sustainable African and African- have the ri that you for, now! Caribbean community interventions where our voices and are looking employers concerns, and those of other groups, are given equal con - you are Email: [email protected] ut whether sideration by mainstream agencies, and where everybody is Find o tion.

!! r FREE tui www.brigstowe.org allowed to enjoy their full dignity and respect, and above all eligible fo

! to realise their full potential.

« ! « prove Mission: African Voices Forum pursues this vision by sup - ed to im ! Ne porting and developing the capacity of African and African- kills? Caribbean community organisations to enable them identify your s BILINGUAL FAMILY PROJECT rove common needs and challenges, develop common ap - you to imp ! ill support proaches to address them, and above all develop partner - We w OL), Maths lish (and ES 2088 or ! ships with other organisations to enhance our objectives your Eng u are 17 312 rk Advisers , so that yo Call 01 friendly Wo Bilingual Family Project and promote community cohesion. nd IT levels dy. one of our k ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! a r further stu to speak to tol.ac.u BFP supports families in Bristol whose first language is not Contact Secretary General: for work o ityofbris ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ready kclubs@c English to access mainstream services, such as housing, Email: [email protected] mail wor ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! e l.ac.uk health and education. We have Somali, Romanian, Polish, or 07862 729407 UTURE ityofbristo D ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! OUR F www.c Punjabi and Urdu Speaking Mentors. African Voices Forum IT’S Y N! Company Registration No. 06672431 APPE Also provid!ing !English!! tutoring at home for young people. AKE IT H Contact: Fran Hopcraft Registered Address: 140 City Road, St Pauls, Bristol BS2 8HN M 8 " ! [email protected] www.africanvoicesforum.org ! ! ! ! !

34 J! une 2012 Bristol Globe Bristol Globe June 2012 35 FOR EVERY DARK CORNER, WE CAN SHOW YOU THE LIGHT.

With over 150 years of experience in legal service, we are experts in representing the rights of you and your family providing advice and assistance when you need it most.

As supporters of Bristol’s City of Sanctuary, we aim to help those seeking help and respite here in the UK. See how we can help you:

‹ Clinical Negligence ‹ Healthcare Law ‹ Consumer Protection ‹ Industrial Disease ‹ Conveyancing ‹ Personal Injury ‹ Education Law ‹ 9VHK;YHMÄJ(JJPKLU[Z ‹ Employment Law ‹ Social Care Law ‹ Family Law ‹ Wills & Probate

www.simpsonmillar.co.uk 0808 129 3320

Calls from UK landlines are free. Calls from mobiles may vary depending on your service provider © Simpson Millar 2012. Simpson Millar LLP, Solicitors is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with YLNPZ[LYLKU\TILY6* 6\YYLNPZ[LYLKVMÄJLPZ!:[7H\S»Z:[YLL[3LLKZ3:1.=H[U\TILY!  9LN\SH[LKI`[OL:VSPJP[VYZ9LN\SH[PVU(\[OVYP[`!9LNPZ[YH[PVU5V! 

36 June 2012 Bristol Globe