CHIS News
6th July until 31st August 2015: 70 Shaun the Sheep round Bristol |
 1 June 2015: Former Chairman of CHIS, Francis Greenacre, welcomes HRH Princess Anne to formally open the new Visitor Centre |
The newsletter comes out 4 times a year for members. The web news section keeps everyone up to date with the latest happenings.
CHIS IS 46 YEARS OLD THIS YEAR!
The following news items are listed with the latest items first.
Because so much happens I have created some archive pages,
because past history is amazing!
Forthcoming events summary
- 08-15 October 2015
FOR INFORMATION - STATUTORY CONSULTATION: Proposed new pedestrian crossing at Pembroke Road, near its junction with Apsley Road
The attached statutory consultation material has been sent to the councillors for the Clifton and Clifton East wards.
Before establishing, altering or removing a formal pedestrian crossing (i.e pelican, toucan or zebra) a local authority must follow the statutory procedure set out in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, which includes the requirements to give notice of that proposal to the general public and to consult with the police. It is established practice for councillors representing wards affected by a proposal to be invited to participate in this process.
The Council proposes to advertise a notice for a new pedestrian crossing at Pembroke Road, which lies within the Clifton and Clifton East ward(s). The Council’s Statement of Reasons for implementing the pedestrian crossing is attached for your reference, together with drawings illustrating the proposed arrangements. We would be pleased to receive your comments on the proposal, but please ensure they reach us before Thursday 15th October 2015.
Copies of the notice will be posted on street furniture within the vicinity of the proposal and will outline the proposal and explain where further details can be obtained. It will also set out the procedure to be followed by members of the public who wish to submit objections to the proposal. If objections are received and they cannot be resolved, they will be reported for the consideration of the Service Director Transport, Neighbourhoods and City Development who will decide, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Budget and Transport, how the matter is to be taken forward.
Regards, Dave Robinson, Traffic Orders Team, Highway Service, Transport Division, Place Directorate
- 13 October 2015 7pm-9pm Clifton, Cabot Neighbourhood Partnership, Brunel House.
- 3 Dec 4:30pm CHIS dedicates a plaque to James Johnson (l764-l844), famous fossil collector who lived at 12 Dowry Parade. Press Release by Sue Stops.
Together with the University of Bristol, The City Museum and the Hotwells History Group. - 14 December 2015 7pm-8:30pm Clifton Neighbourhood Forum, Clifton High School, College Road.
More details further down this page. See CHIS events too.
Recent Events
- 3 October 11am: CHIS dedicates a plaque to William Pennington, Master of Ceremonies of the Hot Wells at 12 Dowry Square. Press Release by Chris Stephens
- Tuesday 6th October, 2 - 4pm Clifton Village Library Meeting
As I am sure you are aware the Library in Clifton Village has recently avoided closure. The hours of opening will be reduced and the Library will still be vulnerable to future cuts.
Clifton has no community centre, so would you like to see the Library offering a more diverse choice of activities and services to the local community?
A meeting is being held in the Library on Tuesday 6th October, 2 – 4pm, offering you the opportunity to have your say. By creating a strong ‘friends’ group, we can help to safeguard the service.
Please do come along and support your local library. If you are unable to attend on Tuesday, but would like to comment, please email Paula O’Rouke on paula.orourke@hotmail.co.uk - 2 Oct: The Mall gardens, Canygne Square Gardens, The Friends of Brandon Hill, Hotwells Harbourside Community, Town Green Clifton Wood
have achieved the 'Outstanding' award in the 'It's your neighbourhood' category. The award comes from Britain in Bloom (Southwest).
- 24 September: Clifton Village received a GOLD pennant award at the South West in Bloom Awards ceremony.
The judges were very impressed with the knowledge and enthusiasm of everyone involved on the judging day and the unique gems that Clifton has to offer.
South West in Bloom is one of eighteen regional/national competitions that make up Britain in Bloom, the biggest horticultural campaign in Europe. The aim of the communities that take part each year is to improve and regenerate our local environments, through the imaginative planting of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping, conservation and recycling projects, and to sweep away the eyesores that blight our streets, such as litter, graffiti and vandalism.
Bristol demonstrates pride of place shown by its communities. In 2012, Royal Horticultural Society’s South West in Bloom Awards Bristol was joint overall cup winners in the large city category. In 2012, 2011 Clifton won the best urban community trophy. In 2011, Waterloo Street won Gold Medal for Shopping Area in Bristol in Bloom. In 2008, Clifton was the Urban Community Award Winner of RHS National Trophy - 20 September 2015 A concert at St George’s, Bristol, will feature the premiere of a new piece of music inspired by Easter Garden, a project we support.
Composed by one of Bristol’s brightest young talents it’s a lovely piece that I hope will be enjoyed by all.
The concert will also feature other pieces inspired by Bristol landmarks or history including a great new piece by world renowned Clifton based composer Michael Ellison (Vincent & Avona inspired by the dramatic topography of the Avon Gorge) and my own Building The City a playful romp through 60,000 years of Bristol’s history.
The concert also features the shortlisted pieces from the NMSW Young Composers’ Prize. Anyone with an interest in music will be delighted to see the incredible level of musical talent to be found among the region’s young musicians.
Tickets can be bought at http://www.nmsw.org.uk/events/sound-world-nmsw-2015-season-finale/ or from the St George’s website.
- 11 September 2015 One Tree Per Child Bristol – Lead Volunteers Required
Bristol City Council are looking to recruit lead volunteers to support their exciting One Tree Per Child Bristol project. One Tree Per Child Bristol (http://www.bristol.gov.uk/onetreeperchild) is planting 36,000 trees in Bristol; one for every primary school aged child in the city this winter during December 2015 to March 2016. They offer comprehensive training (2 days in October/ November) and can provide a positive reference for those interested in a career in community work and / or horticulture.If you are interested in this opportunity, please email your name and contact telephone number to onetreeperchild@bristol.gov.uk quoting ‘Lead Volunteer’ and state why you want to be involved. Alternatively, please call 0117 357 4398 to register your interest.
- Saturday 12th September 10-4. Doors Open Day.Locations open in BS8 are All Saints Curch, Clifton Rocks Railway (open Sunday too),
Clifton Suspension Bridge, Merchants Hall, The Mansion House, Wills Memorial Building, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol School of Art,
Bristol Grammar Schhol, BBC Broadcasting House. Free bus between Clifton Rocks Railway and Canon's Marsh
- Tuesday 15th September 6.30pm at the Rose of Denmark:
Join the Hotwells and Cliftonwood Community Association to take a closer look at developments on the Piazza, wander in the hidden forest, take some refreshment at the Rose
and to discuss and exchange ideas for the future.
Flyer
- 9 September 2015: First World War Shelter, Westbury Road, Bristol, BS8 2XU
- Awarded Listed Building Status
Following CHIS's application to add the above building to the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, Historic England have now considered all the representations made and completed assessment of the building. They are delighted to inform us that having considered our recommendation, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has decided to add First World War Shelter to the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. The building is now listed at Grade II.
Please click on the link below to download a copy of the advice report, which gives the principal reasons for this decision. The List entry for this building, together with a map, has now been published on the National Heritage List for England, and will be available for public access on 10 September. This List can be accessed through our website.
http://services.historicengland.org.uk/webfiles/GetFiles.aspx?av=3226747A-F61A-44C8-8659-2BCEB08316EE&cn=F84DFAF1-45D0-4351-A881-B9B10C6746AA14 May 2015: CHIS applied for listed building status on what could be a unique structure in the UK.
The Downs Haven shelter at the top of Blackboy Hill is a typical utilitarian wooden Victorian/Edwardian shelter that would have been found on railway platforms or in parks. However this was built for a specific purpose. Money was provided by public subscription during World War I to provide a shelter for convalescent service men and women from the nearby Queen Victoria Jubilee Convalescent Home (later to be a maternity hospital, then offices and now Victoria House). The home was designed to have about 90 patients from the BRI and General Hospital who needed rest, care, a suitable diet and fresh air rather than full-time nursing or surgery – indeed a convalescent home.WWI saw a huge demand for hospital accommodation and for convalescence for the less seriously wounded and for those whom we now would recognise as being traumatised. They came to regain their strength in both body and mind.
It has been submitted on a fast track application for listing WW1 memorials. Because they remain such powerful and poignant reminders of the war’s impact on communities, war memorials have been specifically identified by the Government for attention over 2014-18. Currently only 1,300 of England’s war memorials are listed, which is a small percentage of the total. Guidance states:
- War memorials will attract considerable public interest and will warrant serious consideration for listing.
- There is a presumption in favour of listing all war memorials, unless they are compromised by major alteration or of little design interest.
- Although many memorials followed standard designs, such as Celtic crosses, such is the historic significance of these objects that listing will often still be warranted, particularly when inscriptions of casualties are included
Running from 2014–2018, the Home Front Legacy project is supporting community groups researching local places associated with the Great War with an online toolkit and guidance for recording the remains of surviving sites, structures and buildings around Britain.
- 6th July until 31st August 2015: Watch out for Shaun the Sheep around Clifton and Hotwells.
BS8 locations are: Bristol Museum and Art Gallery; Hotwells Road; The Pump House, Merchants Road; Elton Road, Clifton; Royal West of England Academy; Victoria Rooms; Whiteladies Road;
Avon Gorge Hotel; The Mall Gardens, Clifton; Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Information Centre; Christchurch Green, Clifton; Suspension Bridge Aspect; Clifton Observatory - 5-11 July 2015: Activities in Cumberland Piazza and Underfall Yard
- 19th June
On 19th June a magnificent carved oak bench was put up at the newly refurbished children's playground near the Suspension Bridge. This was commissioned and paid for by CHIS. It was designed and carved from locally sourced wood by Bristol sculptor and craftsman, Alistair Park. The bench is full of interesting and intriguing carvings relating to the history, flora and fauna of the Downs. There are ten hidden spiders hidden amongst the other carving for children (and adults) to look for.
being assembled
- Monday 22nd June
Merchant's Dock, Rownham Mead - Public Meeting, 6 for 6:30 , Holy Trinity, Hotwell:
John Richfield is organising another public meeting to discuss how to improve access across Merchant’s Dock.
The Council have booked Holy Trinity Hall, Hotwell on Monday 22nd June from 6:00 pm until 9:00pm.
Drawings
They will be following the format agreed at the last stakeholder meeting:
6:00 tables with the various plans manned by Council staff
6:30 meeting starts with Powerpoint presentation of the proposals and background
6:45 short presentations by stakeholders who attended the meeting on 26th March (please let him know by 18th June if you wish to do this as time is limited)
7:15 discussion at tables with a council officer and a named person to feedback key points
8:00 feedback from tables – as we go through the tables we may need to avoid repetition
8:15 open to the public for comment and questions. - 23 June 2015 7pm-9pm Clifton, Cabot Neighbourhood Partnership, Brunel House, St Georges Road.
- 29 May 2015
Susy Feltham is the new Project Officer for the improvement works that have been carried out this Winter/Spring in Victoria Square.
As this stage of the work has now been completed, the following is what there is left to be done and when this will happen:
SUMMER MONTHS 2015- · Due to the build outs not being carried out, there was an amount of underspend for this project. The repairs to stonework was found to be a lot more costly than was initially budgeted for, so this money will be used to extend repairs boundary wall stonework revealed from the cutting back of shrubs.
AUTUMN/WINTER MONTHS 2015- The remaining tree/shrub work, taking away of brash and grinding out stumps close to walls is now on hold until the autumn, due to the bird nesting season.
- soiling up and grass seeding low/bare grass areas
- reinforcing with matting the entrances onto the lawn areas from the central path
- creating borders by edging and mulching where shrubs have been removed
If you have any comments or queries, please do not hesitate to contact Susy.
Susy Feltham, Parks Project Officer, Bristol City Council - Neighbourhoods
t: 0117 35 74020, m: 07552 289553, e: susan.feltham@bristol.gov.uk - 1 May 2015:Additional Cycle Stands in Clifton Village consultation"
- 4 March 2015:
In the Cabinet Report Libraries for the Future discussed on 3 March, there are seven
libraries which, for a variety of reasons, do not fit the Council's proposals for a future library service.
The seven libraries are Sea Mills, Clifton, Redland, Eastville, Wick Road, Westbury-on-Trym, and Marksbury Road.
These are proposals at this stage and no decisions have been made.
What happens next? There will be a 16 week public consultation starting on 4th March until June 30th.
The consultation will include online and hard copy survey forms and there has been a daytime drop-in meeting held in each library. There will also be an evening consultation meeting in each Neighbourhood Partnership area.
The results of the consultation will be analysed after 30 June and a report taken to Cabinet on 4th August.
Further information will be available from 4th March at the library or online at: www.bristol.gov.uk/page/leisure-and-culture/future-bristols-libraries-consultation The other 21 libraries will be affected in varying ways with opening hours changes, installation of new technology and building changes. Details for the report can be found at: wwww.bristol.gov.uk/committee/2015/ua/ua000/0303_5.pdf
Tom Stubbs and Stephen Williams (our MP), have launched an on-line petition to keep the library in Clifton open http://www.stephenwilliams.org.uk/savecliftonlibrary and in Redland http://www.stephenwilliams.org.uk/saveredlandlibrary
Drop in sessions: 20 April 2-4 Clifton Library, 28 April 2-4 Redland Library
The CHIS committee are putting serious consideration into the consultation.
PROPOSED CLOSURE OF LIBRARIES
The Committee of CHIS shares the alarm felt by many members and residents at the suggested closure of Clifton and Redland Libraries. We are relieved to hear of the year's postponement for reflection.
Reported doubts about the methodology employed in the recent survey of usage and therefore about its conclusions will, we hope, be addressed.
Imaginative, inventive and positive ideas are to be expected from the Mayor and his cabinet.
Brian Worthington, Chairman, 18th March 2015 - 14 and 15 March 2015: Scaffolding starts being erected.
TOWER RESTORATION WORKS ON THE CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE
The two majestic towers which support the Clifton Suspension Bridge are set to undergo important restoration works. The masonry will be cleaned and repointed, and repairs carried out to the roof structure, the drainage and the access ladders. Clifton side to be completed by October, Leigh Woods side by 2016. - Monday 16 March 2015: The Clifton Village (CV) Residential Parking Scheme will start operating. Details and maps of the parking arrangements in CV RPS are available at the following link - How the scheme works in the Clifton Village (CV) area
- 18 March 2015 7pm for 7:30pm: Peter Davey will talk about Clifton Rocks Railway at the Create Centre, Smeaton Road, Hotwells for Hotwells, Cliftonwood and Clifton Local History Society.
- 15 February to May: Exhibition about the Brunel Swivel Bridge in the Create Centre, Smeaton Road, Hotwells (Open Monday-Fri 9-5)
- In January 2015 In an article about Protection of Street Lighting
the Building Conservation Directory said:
In Bristol the high priority given to the historic streetscape is due to the tireless commitment of a community group, the Clifton and Hotwells Improvement Society. Initially consulted on a conservation area appraisal, CHIS developed a system for recording the different types of lamp post found locally, enabling a comprehensive audit of surviving examples in the conservation area. As a result, their protection was enshrined in conservation area policy in 2010, and the system has been adopted in neighbouring Redland. CHIS now works closely with the local authority to ensure surviving examples are at least retained in situ, and salvaged examples in the yard of the lighting department are being reinstated in key locations where possible.
While Georgian light fittings are generally well protected by listing, and are usually in private ownership, Victorian street lights remain at risk and their numbers are dwindling, particularly in England and Wales. Urgent action is required to secure their future.. More detail on lamp posts page
- 18 December 2014:
English Heritage said these "often humble structures" were "important to the streetscene of our cities". Bristol City Council, which owns the cast-iron urinal, said it "remained very well used and appreciated".
An English Heritage spokesman said: "Historic elements of the public realm, including street furniture and public facilities, are particularly vulnerable to damage, alteration and removal and where they survive well, they will in some cases be given serious consideration for designation."
The nearest other one is in the SS Great Britain dockyard - Libraries for the future
25 November 2014: Last week the council launched a city-wide consultation to enable the people of Bristol to have their say on the future design of the city’s libraries. The Council wants everyone’s views, whether you use libraries or not – to find out what people want from a future library service and for you to share your ideas and suggestions on how to develop an improved flexible, modern space for communities to learn and socialise in. At this stage they have no proposals and no decisions have been made. They want to involve all the citizens of Bristol in designing a new library service.How can you get involved?
There are plenty of ways to get involved online – you can learn about exciting library services in other places, taking part in our survey and share your ideas. Visit www.bristolfuturelibraries.co.uk for more information. Libraries staff will be at your Neighbourhood Forum meetings to talk to you. There are also meetings in all 28 libraries across the city which are open for everyone to come along to. You can come to any meeting – the times and dates are on website (http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/leisure-and-culture/libraries-consultation-public-meetings)You can share your ideas on facebook by searching bristolfuturelibraries – you might want to “like” the page and share it you’re your facebook friends You can also share your ideas on twitter - @BrLibraryFuture – you might want to follow the Council to keep up to date with the latest ideas. Look out for their Ideas Bank which will be launching within the next few days (www.bristol.gov.uk/ideasbank) – you can share your ideas and see what other people are thinking too.
What happens next?
This phase of the consultation runs until 2 February 2015. Once they have collected everyone’s views, the feedback will be used to shape proposals which will be discussed at Cabinet in March 2015. - 14 November: Green Volunteer Awards, hosted by Bristol Green Capital 2015, honour Bristol's unsung environmental heroes.
Our very own Richard Bland won the Bristol award and was given it by Dr Martin Bigg, Chair of the Bristol Green Capital team
Richard Bland has been a wildlife volunteer for more than 25 years. He has dedicated his time and expertise to wildlife recording across Bristol as well as leading nature walks, giving talks and working alongside major national wildlife organisations.
- 21 August: Plans recently unveiled in the local press for a zip wire across the Gorge, near the Suspension Bridge, appall CHIS. The Gorge is a heritage site, an area of natural beauty and a wildlife haven. It should not be made into a tawdry theme park. CHIS will strenuously oppose these misguided plans. (Linda Evans- planning coordinator)
- Monday, December 8, 2014 150th anniversary of the official opening of Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Sunday 7th at 7pm will see a spectacular display of fireworks. Monday 8th at 3pm will see a procession of dignatories walk across the bridge to the new Visitor Centre.
150 years ago on May 7 1864, the suspension chains were completed, joining the two sides of the Avon Gorge permanently for the first time.
Wednesday 2 July 1864, the last of the cross girders was fixed in the centre of the bridge, and a small party was allowed to pass over on planks placed accross the girders. - October: Plans for the ferry inlet now submitted.
A public consultation meeting was organised by John Richfield (urban cycling transport designer at Bristol City Council) at Holy Trinity, Hotwells on Monday September 29th at 6.30pm about the proposed cyclist's infra-structure project at the ferry inlet on the Hotwells waterfront. It is important to hear pedestrians views as well as cyclists.
You may have seen the evening post article
We are aware that some in our community are anxious that plans to improve cycling along the dockside could make matters worse for pedestrians. If you are concerned - or indeed keen to make cycling easier here - then this is your opportunity to make your views known
As part of Cycle Ambition Fund the city council is putting forward a range of options to help people cycle and walk across the Merchant’s Dock entrance more easily. This is currently a severe pinch point that requires people to navigate a very narrow and awkward space. Come and see what you think and give your feedback
If you are unable to come to the meeting, but would like to see the plans or give comments, then please contact John Richfield in Sustainable Transport. Telephone: 0117 903 6692, Email: john.richfield@bristol.gov.uk
Write to: Sustainable Transport Delivery, Floor 3, Brunel House, BRISTOL BS1 5UY - 1st October:
You may be all aware there will be new Grounds Maintenance contract in 2015. The consultation
exercise has now begun and Neil Burwell (Neighbourhood Officer Neil.Burwell@bristol.gov.uk) is endeavouring to collect as many views regarding those priorities that can be influenced.
Word document of the paper consultation document being used with individual residents and groups.
The web link for the online Survey Monkey questionnaire: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/groundsmain
Neil would be very grateful if you would complete surveys for each of the green spaces that you have an interest in and encourage other people to do the same. The on-line survey does not take long and does allow for more information to be provided. Neil is also happy to receive word documents about wider issues in Bristol’s green and open spaces if there is not sufficient space on the survey form. You may also want to comment on the process itself, as I feel this is a critical role that the Environmental Sub-Group of the Neighbood Partnership can play.
He is also keen to meet residents and groups to conduct the surveys in person. If you feel that there are any groups that would like to have a workshop session to complete surveys and discuss the consultation, then please let him know.
This is your opportunity to influence, through your Neighbourhood Partnership, what the new Grounds Maintenance Service will look like.
If people have favourite green spaces in their area (such as Victoria Square, Mall Gardens, St Andrews churchyard, the childrens playground by the Observatory) or in other parts of the City and want them maintained in a way that will enable them to go on enjoying them, I would encourage them go on-line and have their say. The areas of the new service that cannot currently be influenced are:
School Grounds; allotments; tree maintenance; City Centre spaces; destination sites / heritage estates; maintenance of sports facilities; some work for housing and highways. - 15 October 2014
Growing Wild - help the Hotwells and Cliftonwood Community Association improve Cumberland Piazza.
This part of the CHIS area has done well to get this far. The money would really improve this entrance to the city and the number of individual responses really does help.How to improve Hotwells' largest open space with 3 clicks Bristol is up against four other sites across the UK in the Grow Wild competition. The winner will be decided by public vote and receive a Big Lottery grant of £120,000. Bristol's project, The People’s Plant Collection is all about transforming dull, abandoned areas into vibrant, colourful wild flower spaces that communities across our wonderful city can enjoy. Cumberland Piazza would be The 'flagship' site and benefit from a huge new investment to improve the space.
You can read more about the campaign at: http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/grow-wild-bristol-needs-you
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
National voting runs only until Nov 4th so we need you to:
go to the website at: http://vote.growwilduk.com/ choose the People's Plant Collection, then click on the vote button. It takes only seconds.
OR
vote by calling 0808 228 7704Please forward this information to anyone else you think would like to help with improving Cumberland Piazza. Twitter, email, or even word of mouth! Thank you for your help,
Ray Smith for HCCA - Tuesday 28th October 2014Evening talk to learn about the Brunel Swivel Bridge, held in conjunction with the Institute of Structural, Mechanical and Civil Engineers
Pugsley Lecture Theatre | Queens Building | University of Bristol
1800 for 1830 - Refreshments and food provided
- Brunel's Other Bridge http://www.brunelsotherbridge.org.uk/
(new website created 26 Jan 2014)
2014 Work parties: 15+16 February, 22+23 March, 26+27 April 2014, 24, 25 May, 21, 22 June, 19, 20 July, 16, 17 August, 13 September (Doors Open Day), 19, 20 October.
Jacking using a 50 ton jack bought by CHIS (and another by BIAS)
18 June: Application for £2,930 granted by the Cabot, Clifton and Clifton East Neighbourhood Partnership for information panels, leaflets, guided walk through the Brunel structures by "Mr Brunel" on Doors Open Day in September. The application was put in by the Avon Industrial Buildings Trust. - October 11-12 11am-5pm. West Bristol Arts Trail. www.westbristolarts.com
- 8 October 2014:
Cultivation Street 2014 Regional Award Winner for
South West is Ambra Vale.
Resident Carol decided to brighten up her terraced street by planting up window boxes and selling them to neighbours. Soon a ‘Mexican wave’ of colour spread down the street, with people buying or planting containers to fill any available space. Neighbours have forged new friendships and have now started a gardening club and created a community garden.
The judges noted how moving it is to see one person inspiring others to get gardening and make a difference to the community. - 26th September: At the RHS South West In Bloom Awards Ceremony Clifton received a Gold for our entry in the Pennant Awards and the South West In Bloom Trophy for the Best Urban Community 2014.
This is a fantastic result and it is all down to the hard work put in by the numerous volunteer teams and city council departments that were involved this year.
CHIS and other groups had a display in the Mall Gardens in May. Many thanks to Sharon Baker and Rosie Joseland for BID Clifton - Friday 26th, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September Discover Clifton Event
- Saturday 13 September 10-4: Bristol Doors Open Day
a once-a-year chance to look behind closed doors and discover the city’s hidden treasures. You can explore fascinating buildings, join guided tours and enjoy a range of events
and activities – all free for the day. With over 60 venues taking part this year –
the event’s 21st birthday – join us for a fantastic celebration of Bristol’s history, architecture and culture.
Several venues in BS8 including the Brunel Swivel Bridge and Clifton Rocks RailwayContact brunel@brunelsotherbridge.org.uk if you wish to join a Guided walk at 14:00 from SS Great Britain to the Swivel Bridge with Mr Brunel
- 15th September: You may be interested to watch a short film presented by John Craven celebrating 80 years of BBC Bristol and includes Clifton Rocks Railway is due to go out next Monday (15th September) during the Points West programme at 6.30pm and then a longer version as part of Inside Out West at 7.30pm (also on BBC One in the West) then available afterwards for a week on BBC iPlayer.
- August 10th: Congratulations to our Clifton Councillor, Barbara Janke from our chairman.
Many congratulations from the CHIS Committee upon your appointment as a member of the House of Lords in recognition of your many years of service to Clifton and Bristol.
We send best wishes for your career in the Second Chamber
- Victoria Square: We want to draw your attention to the following web link: www.bristol.gov.uk/victoriasquare
Following approval by the Neighbourhood Partnership work is planned to start in Victoria Square in the autumn to remove some failing trees from Victoria Square and replace them with new ones. Raising of tree canopies, clearance of overgrown areas and removal of self-seeded saplings is also planned.Neil Burwell will be in Victoria Square with colleague Laura Hayton (Laura is the Project manager) on the following dates to meet with local and interested people to discuss this work, listen to any ideas and respond to concerns:
- 9th July: 12.00 – 2.00
- 15th July: 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm
- 16th July: 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Neil Burwell- Message from Clifton In Bloom 2014 team: 11 May: Judging will take place and community projects displays in the Mall Gardens
3 May:A new year and a new competition from the RHS. This year the Clifton area will be entering the RHS Pennant Scheme competition. This new category is slightly less onerous in that the route and presentations should be only two and a half hours and there is no need to produce written and photographic evidence in the form of a portfolio. This year Bid Clifton, the Clifton business association, are taking the lead, which is fantastic as the burden is shared and it really means an integrated approach from residents, businesses and volunteer groups will help ensure a really successful entry. I will continue to help with the communities and liaison whilst Rosie Joseland, the BID manager and Alison Bracey manage the route and the Village part of the entry. BID Clifton are launching a children's sunflower competition as part of their efforts to encourage children to garden, details of which will be sent to you in the near future, should any of your younger gardeners wish to participate.We have started to prepare the route and some of you already know that we will be visiting your project on the day, however, as the route is shorter we will not be able to visit all of you and it is hoped to have a several community projects as stands in the Mall Gardens on judging day, which will form part of our presentation. Once the route is finalized we will be contacting you again to discuss ways in which each project can help us on judging day which is envisaged to be during the first half of July.
I feel that we should all be aware (which most of you are) that due to the cutbacks at Bristol City Council, it will be down to us to present Clifton at its best on judging day and we may need your gardening groups to do more street maintenance, weeding, cleaning etc than we have had to do in the past. I know however that we have the support of Blaise Nursery, May Gurney and the street cleansing team, who will do their best to help as much as they are able within the constraints of their reduced budgets. I hope you are enjoying this patch of mild weather and that you are remembering to take lots of lovely photographs of spring time activities to show the judges.
- Monday 16th June, 6pm Victoria Square Hotel
Public Consultation Meeting: Proposed Sculpture in Victoria Square, Clifton
Would you like to see a sculpture by artist Frank Benson sited in Victoria Square? The proposed bronze sculpture celebrates 18th Century castaway, Alexander Selkirk, who was the inspiration for Robinson Crusoe. Selkirk was alleged to have been rescued by a ship funded by Clifton resident and businessman Thomas Goldney during a privateering expedition in 1709.You are invited to a consultation meeting at 6pm on Monday 16th June at the Victoria Square Hotel to find out more about this proposed artwork, to let us know your views and to discuss options for siting it. Jane Willis, Director of arts consultancy Willis Newson, will be joined by Aldo Rinaldi, Senior Public Art Officer for Bristol City Council to explain how the project has evolved, to show concept drawings for the work and discuss with local residents where it might be sited. This commission has been funded by the Nuffield Hospital as part of a Bristol City Council planning condition.
If you cannot make the meeting but would like to express your views, you are welcome to email us: Jane@willisnewson.co.uk
- Does anyone remember Lana Peters?
25 May 2014: CHIS was contacted by Kevin Cattell of Blue Brook Productions who sent the following:I am producing a play entitled ‘Stalin’s Daughter’ which is going to be performed at the Brewery Theatre, Tobacco Factory Theatres from July 30th to August 9th. It recalls the years that Svetlana Alliluyeva aka Lana Peters aka Stalin’s daughter spent in Clifton. Apparently she was here for about 18 years then returned to America in 2009, and died in 2011. Although this fact is mentioned in biographies and historical records, we have been unable to gain any more knowledge and it seems that during her time here she was determined to remain anonymous.
I am writing to ask whether any CHIS members could help. It would be wonderful if we could gain any information regarding Svetlana. Although I have searched the electoral rolls we cannot even ascertain where she lived - although we did hear a rumour that she shared a house in Canynge Square ‘Struggling to cast off the shadow of one of the world’s most infamous, charismatic and terrifying leaders - her father - Svetlana Alliluyeva moves to Bristol and starts to piece together her fragmented life, her memories dominated in equal measure by her father’s tender love and his insatiable lust for power. Settling in Clifton in the early nineties shortly after the fall of Communist Russia, Svetlana starts a new chapter in her life and begins the challenging journey of reconciling her family’s overbearing legacy with her passionate need to be an individual. Haunted by the triumphs and tragedies of sixty years of history, the true nature of freedom slowly unfolds as she battles to carve out her place in the world.’ There are a few more bits on the Tobacco Factory website. http://www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/detail/stalins_daughter/
If you have any information, please contact RoseMary Musgrave (r.musgrave4@gmail.com or tel: 0117 9731704 or at Garden Flat, 4 Eaton Crescent, BS8 2EJ and she will pass it on to to Kevin Cattell
- March 2014: New play equipment appearing in Clifton Downs play area between the Suspension Bridge and the Observatory
- 9th April 2014 (2pm) - Clifton Village Traders protest using a Sherman tank to voice their concerns about Residential Parking Scheme
- 2nd April 2014 (10am) - Clifton Village march to City Hall Starting from Clifton Suspension Bridge to voice their concerns about Residential Parking Scheme
- 1st April 2014 April Fools joke in the Bristol Post about storing books in the Clifton Rocks Railway
- 26 March 2014 7pm: You would be most welcome to join CHIS members Julia Killingback and Michael Pascoe for the launch of their TWO NEW CIRCULAR WALKS- CLIFTONWOOD and HOTWELLS at Stanfords, 29 Corn Street, Bristol. Following fast on the heels of their first two guides- CLIFTON and VICTORIAN CLIFTON which were published, by Julia last autumn. Each guide is designed for people of all ages offering healthy walking, an abundance of fascinating information, over 100 colour illustrations (including beautiful images from the Bristol Art Galleries and Museums Collections) a visual QUIZ , FUN FACTS for children- and a new way to explore this vibrant and historic city of Bristol.
For more information and illustrations www.explorewalks.co.uk Book price £7.99 This includes a donation by the publisher to the Children’s Hospital Grand Appeal Charity–Wallace and Gromit.
We look forward to seeing you. Happy walking!
For further information on the books Please go to - www.explorewalks.co.uk
- Saturday 15th March 10-12: Join UWE at the Public Open Day at the Engineers House on the Promenade to find out more about the proposal to build a stone pedestrian bridge over Bridge Valley Road. A chance to pass on information about the plans and gather feedback
Excellently run by Adrienne Tomorr of UWE with the support several lecturers and FoD, and a number of Chis members came along, as did Downs Ranger, the press, and one or two members of Downs Committee. A good diagram, and outline of next steps available to take away. An excellent rolling simulation of the bridge, a stone mason with tools, a brilliant montage of masonry bridges, and the fact that the last was built in 1920. There were feedback forms and suggestions. It was full from start to finish, though I don’t have footfall figures.
The general impression was overwhelmingly in favour, as was the feeling that something had to be done about the junction, and that there were indeed cheaper solutions to some of the problems, such as roundabout, lights, zebras, but that the separation of cars and pedestrians would be a great value to both, and that the levelness of the crossing gave it buggy credibility. It was clear that more work needed to be done on cyclist use of the bridge, which had become a key design component, as the cyclist access routes were not well thought out. The issues of the stone to be used, the facing, and the extent to which the ornamentation reflected Clifton architecture had yet to be addressed, though the bridge itself would be largely invisible except to road users.
Read more about the project email: bridgevalleyroad@uwe.ac.uk
- Wednesday 12 March 7pm for 7:30: Hotwells, Clifton and Cliftonwood Local History Society. Create Centre. Peter Davey will give an illustrated talk 'Around bristol by Horse Tram'. There will also be information about Dame Sylvia Crowe (landscape designer for the area around the Cumberland Basin, and an update on the Swivel Bridge
- Saturday 1 March at 2pm: Volunteer information event Know Your Bristol On the Move. Bristol Record Office, Create Centre, Smeaton Road
We're seeking volunteers for a major new project to add thousands of Bristol postcards to Know Your Place. Could you help to research photos or update the website?
'Know Your Bristol on the Move' is looking for volunteers from across Bristol to research The Roy Vaughan (deceased CHIS committee member) postcard collection collection of 9,000 old postcards from the city’s archives. Can you help us to find the stories behind the pictures? Could you help us to add the images to the Know Your Place website? We have opportunities available for volunteering from home or during drop-in sessions at Bristol Record Office. Come along to our volunteer information session to find out how you could take part in this exciting project. Tea, coffee and cake will be provided!
For more information, please contact the project’s Engagement Coordinator, Dr Nick Nourse (n.nourse@bristol.ac.uk). Come to this special event to find out more.
- Floods 3 Jan 2014 and 1st and 2nd Feb and 2 March: Where has the lock gone! (Photo Norman Date)
- 10 February 2014 Clifton and Clifton East Neighbourhood Forum Clifton High School
- 11 February 2014 Cabot Neighbourhood Forum
- 28 January 2014 7-9 Clifton and Cabot Neighbourhood Partnership The Pavilion, 1 Hannover Quay, Harbourside BS1 5JE
- December 2013: A professional cinema operator has been found to lease the Whiteladies Road Cinema premises, a long- empty and much disputed premises. Medinbrand, the owners of Whiteladies Picture House, will be holding public consultations on the 9th and 11th January at Clifton Down Shopping Centre. Watch out for a planning application.
- Watch until 7th Feb: Michael Portillo continues his journey from Southampton to Wolverhampton, this programme beginning in Chippenham, where at Lacock Abbey he discovers how the world's first photographic negative was made and learns how to make a print. He travels on to Bristol to visit the Victorian Clifton Zoo, where he finds tigers and polar bears before him also arrived by train, Clifton and Clifton Rocks Railway.
- 24 Feb 2014 Closing date: Petition: Keep Bristol Public Toilets Open. This includes the Suspension Bridge Toilets. CHIS has also submitted an objection.
- 4 Dec 2013: Plans are afoot to create a Clifton Tree Trail, which will give details of the oldest, rarest and most notable trees in the area. The scheme has the support of the Tree Forum, and it is hoped it will link with other trails including the one just opened at Kings Weston, to form part of a Bristol City tree trail to operate as part of the Green Capital year in 2015.
- 4 Dec: Transformation of Victoria Square. The council is planning to spend £50,000 on a once in a generation improvement scheme to open up the square, increase the grass area, deal with the ‘Victoria Lake’, plant new trees, and possibly create self-sustaining native plant edges. Detailed consultation will take place January.
Brandon Hill Hard Landscape Consultation paper November 2013. Comments by 9 Dec to Neighbourhood.engagement@bristol.gov.uk
Site Allocations and Development Management Options
Bristol City Council wants to involve you in considering the future use of land in Bristol and would like your input into the Site Allocations and Development Management Options Document. Consultation on this document started on Monday 14th June 2010. Final check 10 May 2013. Expected to be ratified in July 2014All documents, including sustainability appraisal information, will be available on their website (supported by interactive mapping and an on-line questionnaire) (see:http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/planning-and-building-regulations/site-allocations-and-development-management-policies). Paper copies of the Options Document will be available to view in local libraries and customer service points
This document builds upon the Call for Sites which many people contributed to in autumn 2008, and sets out draft proposals for allocating land to meet the city's development requirements up to 2026 as set out in the submitted Core Strategy (see http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/planning-and-building-regulations/bristol-local-plan). Different options for the use of potential development sites are identified for comment. A variety of uses are proposed across the city, including housing, business, industry, mixed-use and Gypsy and Travellers' residential sites.
In addition, the document proposes to designate land within the city for a number of different uses. These designations propose to protect or safeguard land, for example, for important open space, industry and warehousing, nature conservation or transport infrastructure, or where specific policies apply, such as to town, district and local centres.
The final section of the document presents ideas for new Development Management policies which will give detailed guidance on issues to be taken into account when planning decisions are made. Expected to be ratified in 2013
Sarah O'Driscoll, Service Manager, Strategic Planning, Strategic Planning Team, City Development, Bristol City Council, 0117 90 36725 www.bristol.gov.uk/bdfHOTWELLS, CLIFTON AND CLIFTONWOOD LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
The aim of the society is to bring together everyone who is interested in the huge diversity of historical riches in the area.
Treasures gives an opportunity for invited people to share their enthusiasm about something special for 5 minutes each. By popular request invited local people will talk for around five minutes about something of interest.
Good news! There will be more time for people to get together afterwards to talk and enjoy a drink. Please bring along anything of interest to display!
There will be no charge but a collection will be taken to defray the costs. PLEASE TELEPHONE O1179277157 or e.mail sue.stops@aolcom to reserve a place.Tyndale Baptist Church meetings
There is a meeting at Tyndale Baptist church, Whiteladies Road (opposite Clifton Down shopping centre) every Wednesday evening, called Time@Tyndale. One of these meetings every two months or so is called a Community Forum and they invite a local councillor or 'big-wig' to address the meeting on a topic of relevence to the Community. They always invite local Resident's Groups to the meeting which is also attended by members of their congregation. People attend from all over the city, but mostly in the Clifton, Cotham, Redland area.West Bristol Art Trail
Usually in October. The trail twists its path through the work of 120 artists exhibiting in over 50 homes and venues throughout the area. You will discover ceramicists, filmmakers, jewellers, painters, photographers, printmakers, sculptors and textile artists as you follow the trail from its bed in Hotwells and the richly historic docks, through a maze of cobbled lanes and secret passages to the summit, the Georgian stateliness of Clifton and as far as Blackboy Hill.
CHIS has been a major sponsor again
More details on http://www.westbristolarts.com/Ten Ideas for CHIS
We would be interested to know if you have any bright ideas for Clifton projects to make Clifton an even better place to live! Contact Maggie.Shapland@gmail.com