About CHIS
The Clifton and Hotwells Improvement Society, popularly known as CHIS, was founded in 1968 and now has well over 1,100 members. Its main aims are:- to improve the amenities of the area
- to preserve the best features
- to maintain the quality of life within the area.
Over the last 45 years CHIS has become widely respected for its balanced attitude towards local issues.
Although one of the largest amenity societies in the country, it manages to retain personal contacts necessary for the committee to reflect members' views.
CHIS covers the diverse area of urban Bristol 8 which includes Hotwells, North Clifton, Cliftonwood, the west of Whiteladies Road and Clifton Village.
What does CHIS offer its members?
- A regular newsletter with local news and points of interest plus details of planning and licensing applications.
- A series of winter talks and summer walks and visits.
- Occasional garden, photographic, literary and artistic competitions.
- Advice on individual planning concerns.
- Other social events.
What does CHIS do?
- Studies all planning, licensing and tree applications.
- Campaigns on parking, traffic, street lighting and rubbish issues.
- Advises the City Council’s Planning Committee through membership of the Conservation Advisory Panel
- Carries out major projects eg The Look Out Point on Sion Hill
- Erects plaques on the houses of famous residents
- Plants trees, shrubs and bulbs.
- Installs benches and litter bins.
- Gives financial help to local residents’ groups for projects.
- Participates in local Police, Civic Society and other advisory groups. Over the years CHIS has earned the reputation of holding sound and balanced views and not acting on rumours. Facts are checked first. We are now consulted by the Council, the Police and other bodies and our opinion sought on many occasions. This is good, and a reputation of which we are justly proud.
- Represents the Society's views to the City Council, Licensing Authority, the Department of Transport, Environment & the Government Office of the South West etc.
- When there is a worthwhile cause, CHIS does fight and fights well. We win some outright victories, but more often our objections are taken into consideration and a compromise drawn. These are the matters that make the news and to a great extent how the Society is judged by non-members. All amenity societies suffer from the fact that they can appear to be a predominantly negative force. CHIS has been shown to be positive
The Society is currently working to restore St Andrew’s churchyard.
Come along and meet us
New members are always welcome. Details of our meetings are displayed at the library in Princess Victoria Street. Come to one of our events and introduce yourself to a committee member. (see Current programme of events for details)