hotwells news winter 2011

8/7/2019 Hotwells News Winter 2011

1/8

1

The prolonged closure of Bridge Valley Road has, once again, demon-strated the chronic traffic problems in Hotwells & Cliftonwood as evermore cars attempt to filter through our quaint and inappropriate18 th &19th century street layout.It has been reported that reopening of the key commuter route has now been de-layed until June 2011. On Granby Hill, cars seem to be backing up into Clifton all

day, not just at peak times, but a proposalby the City Council to paint more yellowlines here is being resisted by some resi-dents who feel that making the traffic flowmore smoothly at the expense of resi-dents parking spaces will only encourageyet more cars to use this rat-run and at

greater speed. This is a re-run of a similardebate that occurred in Clifton Vale a fewyears back. One gets the impression thatthe Council has given up on the problembecause every proposal meets with oppo-sition. However it is clear that a piece-meal approach is only going to benefit one

neighbourhood at the expense of another. The Community Associations TrafficStrategy report, which has now been presented to Council officers and members,proposes a ring of raised road tables at entrances to Granby Hill, Hope ChapelHill, Clifton Vale and Ambra Vale with homezone signage, weight restrictions and20mph limits. We have to change the balance to make it less attractive for

through traffic to use any of these routes and this is, at least, a start.Does anyone have a better suggestion?

HO

TWEL

LS&CL

IFTON

WOOD

NE

WS

Winter2011

PublishedbyHotwells&CliftonwoodComm

unityAssociation,3,CharlesPlac

e,Hotwells,Bristol,BS84QW

www.hotwellscliftonwood.org.uk

h&ccaHOTWELLS & CLIFTONWOODCOMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Is our Neighbourhood Partnership working?

Its so hard to make ourself heard in the chambers of Bristol Council says

Stephen Perry, Chair of the Clifton Neighbourhood Forum. The HCCA Com-

munity Links group is one way. But perhaps the best chance to influence events

is through the Neighbourhood Partnership. These partnership meetings takeplace once every three months and cover the two wards in our area.

The snag is this so-called partnership is not proving to be much of a partnership. Itsdominated by the Council and run strictly as a Council meeting, which does not foster acollaborative relationship between the community, the police and councillors. The deadhand of the Council means mostly it is a top down rather than a bottom up organisation.A further hindrance is the population of the area is the same as Chippenham.We are pressing hard for HCCAs Transport Strategy and Cumberland Piazza projects tobe adopted by this Partnership. Next we will be pushing for a new Community Centre forClifton. What we want are schemes that are genuinely led by the community. In South-ville they have achieved their Big Society with their Southville Centre and we seek toemulate them.

With this in mind, we plan to form a steering committee of all voluntary community or-

ganisations in Clifton. Once thats done well try to take over the running of the

Neighbourhood Partnership. Too ambitious? Well there are precedents for this in Bed-

minster and Brislington.

The Council is devolving more powers and responsibilities to Neighbourhood Partnerships

so let us know if you represent a community organisation, club or neighbourhood associa-

tion that might benefit by representation at the Forum and Partnership meetings

Traffic misery as BridgeValley closure continues

Granby HIll at almost any time of day


2/8

2

Community Newsh&ccaHOTWELLS & CLIFTONWOODCOMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

O117 9291883

AGM marks a year of progress

The HCCA annual meeting held on

16th November provided an opportu-

nity for those present to hear some of

the work that the Association and its

related bodies have been undertakingduring the year.

Our Traffic Strategy has been given toCouncillors and Officers and on advice, isnow being submitted to the Council for-mally via the Neighboourhood Partnership.Significant progress has been made with theHotwells Park project (see page 3). Themeeting heard how this might fit in with theCouncils Area Green Space Plan.We are pleased to see Samuel Plimsoll inhis new place. Our thanks to Pauline Barnesfor her hard work securing thisThe Com-munity Links group continues to fight forimprovements right across the area. We arenot always winning but we are always try-ing!We continue to run the CA on our re-serves from past years, though these arereducing. We are very grateful for the con-tinued support of the Panto. We hope thatany readers who are not members of the500 club will join as this helps our financesand gives you the opportunity to win somemoney. We should like to see more newfaces on our Management Committee so if

you are interested, or know someone whomight be, do contact us.We look forward to working with you andfor you in the coming year to try and im-prove the area in which we live

Dennis Gornall

Another new cycle path

We really do need a snappy name for whatMike Timmins calls The piece of land nearthe Record Office containing the seat andinterpretation plaques about the Cumber-

land Basin flyover scheme but dont sug-gest Hotwells Point because that wassomewhere else. Anyway, planning permis-

sion for the cycle path around the what-ever-it-is has been granted and we suspectthe work will be done before April. How-ever the related application to create theBallast Garden (see last issue) has beenwithdrawn, pending further discussion.

Hotwells & CliftonwoodCommunity Association3 Charles Place, Hot-wells, Bristol, BS8 4QW

tel: 0117 9291883

[email protected]

Management CommitteeDennis Gornall (Chair)Brenda McLennan (Treasurer)Rosemary Stibbon AdministratorRay Smith Communications

Mike Timmins Open spacesStephen Perryvacant CHASEAnthea Bruges Community Links

CONTACTS

Counting the costThe 2011 Census will take

place on Sunday 27th

March2011. The results are usedby central government as thebasis for allocating about100,000,000,000 of fundsto local authorities everyyear. The statistics gatheredwill determine the allocationof funds for the next tenyears to housing, education,health, recreation, roads andtransport, so it is important toget the count of people as

accurate as possible.The Council estimates that atthe last census in 2001 therewas an undercount of about10,000 people. More infor-mation can be found atwww.census.gov.uk.The census will create about240 part time and full time jobs in the Bristol area.More details can be found atwww.censusjobs.co.uk.If you would like to know

more about the 2011 Censusplease contact the BristolArea Manager for the 2011Census, Bill Clark, who canbe contacted by email [email protected], or byphone on 07801331522.

John Bradfield has sent news of two Hot- wells successes in the 2010 Bristol-in-

Bloom competition. He writes:

We entered the Rownham Mead water-front housesbetween the bridge from Pooles Wharf to the Pump

House pub in the Our Street category and were not

only awarded a Gold Medal but also judged to be thesecond best in the whole of Bristol.

For your interest, I enclose attach photos of how thearea looked in the early 1980s and how it looked this

summer.

In addition, I entered my own waterfront garden inthe Small Front Garden category and was not just

awarded a Gold Medal but was also judged to be

the best in the whole of Bristol.We know from passers-by that these gardens are

much appreciated by the very large numbers of

people who walk round the dockside. They are

considered to be a real feature of Hotwells.

Well done John and neighbours at RownhamMead. Will there be a challenge from otherstreets in our patch in 2011?

Then.

....Now


3/8

3

green lightfrom Transition Hotwells & Cliftonwood

Community News

Developers plans changeagain We reported a year ago on thesneaky change to planning consent

for 120-124 Hotwell Road, one of

the last empty sites, next to theMardyke pub.

The original consent was for 13 apart-ments which mutated into 32 studentdwellings when the recession started tobite. Then nothing happened until No-vember when work started on the siteagain. We understand the scheme for 13apartments has now been reinstated,which is good news because the Devel-opers contribution to the community(Section 106 fund) will increase to30,500 as a result. In fact this is doubly

good news because the Council Cabinetrecently approved a proposal that a thirdof Section 106 money destined for parksshould be controlled by local Neighbour-hood Partnerships rather than councilofficers. This should mean we have abetter opportunity to influence how it isallocated; a reform for which we havebeen campaigning for some while.

Hotwells Park update

Thanks to the many people who

have helped with drawing up pro-

posals, offered suggestions and

signed our petition (around 200 atthe last count), we have made good

progress with our plans to trans-

form the site under the Cumber-land Basin flyover.By time you read this we should knowwhether we have funding from the

Clifton & Cabot Neighbourhood Partner-ship to pay for professional surveying anddesign work with a view to making a for-mal planning application next year. Mean-while, we are on course to make a bidfor lottery funding with the assistance of

Groundwork Trust. Another very wel-come development was the offer ofenough trees to meet all our needs fromthe Greater Bristol Bus Partnership fund,administered by TreeBristol. If all goeswell, these could be planted towards theend of next year.If we succeed with all the above and, cru-cially, gain the active support of theCouncil for our scheme, we will have theresources to undertake about 75% of thelandscaping work needed. However,there is much more fundraising to do for

things like seating, interpretation boards,play equipment and public art. Well belooking for help with these through nextyear.Meanwhile, we are interested in any ideasfor temporary art projects or events thatwe can hold on the site next summer totest its potential as a major new openspace for the neighbourhood. Pleasecontact the HCCA office with your ideas fantastic, fabulous or fun we want tohear about them!

Ray Smith

To keep up to date with Hotwellsnews as it happens rather thanwait for the next printed Newsvisit:www.hotwellscliftonwood.org.ukTell us about any local events andnews that you would like to share.

Work on widening the mardyke Wharffoot/cycle path which was announced in

our last edition was completed in No-

vember.It seems to have made a worthwhile im-provement. The simple idea of moving therailings about 0.5 metres closer to the quay-side has created a more spacious feel to thispopular and attractive route.

Now, also as previously reported; thecorrugated metal shed by the Grain Bargeis being stripped out as well.

This unaccustomed haste to completeoutstanding projects wouldnt be anythingto do with next years budget cuts wouldit?

Before.

....After

September 2010 marked theinauguration of Bristol GreenDoors in which people whohad made their homes moresustainable opened their doorsto share their experience.

The project was started by amember of Transiition Montpelierand spread via Bristol's Transi-tion network. On the weekendthere was an information hub inthe Thali Cafe on Regent Street,staffed by members of TransitionHotwells and Cliftonwood andGreen Doors volunteers.

The weather was very kind, and

sitting in the sunshine sharinginformation was a very convivialexperience. The weekendshowed how much interest thereis in Bristol in sustainable living,and that making your home moresustainable does not involve don-ning a hair shirt.There were further Green Doorsevents through the autumn, in-cluding an exhibition at CREATEand a day with Green Registerarchitects and builders.Congratulations to everyone whotook part and made Bristol's firstGreen Doors a success. Plansare under way for next year (seeww..bristolgreendoors.org) andyou can be added to the Transi-tion Hotwells and Cliftonwoodmail ing l ist by e-mail [email protected]. Fur-ther information on homes thatwere opened is available on theGreen Doors website. Somehouseholders would be willing toshare their experience before thenext Green Doors days.

Richard Hancock


4/8

4

It isnt news to anyone that 100 years ago a local high street had a lot more to offer its

community than now. Before the advent of mass consumerism and advanced produc-tion methods that led to the rise of the supermarket, one could wander down the high

street and find all the things that most of us now rely on the big names for.

We may not be able to boast the 190 businesses and 32 pubs that existed in the early 1900s butHotwells still has a strong and growing retail sector, To help you find a local alternative to the im-

personal city shopping experience, we have compiled a shopping map of Hotwell Road that might

remind and delight our readers at what is available right on our doorstep!

compiled by Jayne Marshall; graphics Ray Smith

Shopping, eating and drinking guide to Hotwell Road

ROSE OF DENMARKBar Meals & MusicOPEN: 12:00-23:00TEL: 0117 9405866

SHIRAZ RESTAURANTPersian & Middle EasternCuisineOPEN: Mon-Sat 18:30-22:00Sun 16:00-22:00TEL: 0117 9255668

275

IDEAL FISH & CHIPSEnglish & ChineseTakeawayOPEN: Mon-18:00-23:00, Tue-Sat 12:00-

14:00, 18:00-23:00TEL: 0117 9262837

269

HOTWELLSOFF-LICENCE& convenience storeOPEN: 09:00-22:00TEL: 0117 9262837

265

THE BEARfood, function room, BebopClubOPEN: Mon-Sat 11:0024:00Sun 11:00-23:00TEL: 0117 9877796

261SUI GENERIShair & beautyOPEN: 09:00-22:00TEL: 0117 9262837

255

253

HONGKONGTAKEAWAYOPEN: 09:00-22:00TEL: 0117 9264457

259

SPRING GARDENSOPEN: Mon-Thu17:00-22:30Fri 17:00-24:00Sat 15:00-24:00TEL: 07886 799630

188

SPcoOTE

18

FITFIRMindependenOPEN: 06:TEL: 0117

184

HOTWELLSPINEantique & qualitynew pine furnitureOPEN: 09:00-22:00TEL: 0117 9262837


5/8


6/8

6

Events

Puppet PlacePuppet Place was set up by local puppeteer DiSteeds with Jim Still in 1984. For many years it was

run by the wonderful Kate Pollard at Hope Centre.

We re-launched in 2009 at the Bristol Festival of Puppetry,since when we have not let our strings go slack. Our base,just round the corner from Spike Island Studios, is a hive ofactivity, described by Tobi Poster from Wattle and Daub as awarehouse of oddities-cum-mad professors workshop. Inthe past few weeks theres been a frenzy of prop buildingfor Tobacco Factorys The Adventures of Pinocchio par-ticularly how to make the nose and resident companiesPickled Image, Green Ginger and Full Beam are all busycooking up puppetry goodness for next year.

Back in September, when the weather was warmer and thebunting flitted in the breeze, we declared ourselves thefringe to Bristol Doors Open Day with our own PuppetsOpen Doors with support from Hotwells Panto Commu-nity Fund. Thanks to all the local companies we had a smor-gasbord of Bristol talent. Highlights included: Gongoozlersquirky shadow and live performance show about the adven-tures of a handkerchief; Soap Soups wonderful Little RedRiding Hood- a fresh twist on an oft-heard tale; TorbenSchachts gruesome demonstration of SFX for WNOsSweeney Todd; and Emma Byron and Trevor Houghton's NotOnly To Rock The Boat, But Indeed To Sink It, the tale ofGranuaile, pirate queen, with beautifully drawn 2D puppets.

As the year ends we find ourselves plotting the next festival(26 August 4 September 2011). Plans include top-notchinternational acts, inspirational workshops and some of thevery best puppetry thats being made in Bristol, quite oftenon Spike Island.F.f.i. www.puppetplace.org and find us Facebook

Rachel McNally

Hotwells memoriesStan Snook was born in DowryParade in 1914, attended thenew Hotwells School, beganwork at Gardiners when he was14 and worked on the electricbells at Ashton Court presidedover by Lady Smythe. He has pro-duced a fascinating memoir of hisearly years in Hotwells. Sue Stopshas this and we hope to be able to

publish some extracts in a forth-coming edition ofHotwells News.

Hotwells Book ClubMeets on the 3rd Wednesday evening of every month andwould welcome new members. Ffi. call Janet Temple tel:0117-9298841

Bird watching on Hotwell RoadThe pedestrian crossing at the Mardyke is due to be upgradedfrom a Pelican to a Puffin (as opposed to a Panda or a Pegasuswhich sound more interesting but are now almost extinct).For those of you unfamiliar with the zoological classification of

crossings, I can only refer you to the wonderful Wikipedia:

it differs from a Pelican crossing in that the lights controllingthe pedestrians are on the near side of the road, rather than onthe opposite side. The system also utilises sensors which detectthe presence of pedestrians waiting at the crossing, and as they

are crossing the road.

Quite why replacing one serviceable crossing with a nother isdeemed to be a good way to spend money we are not clear.Lights that change within an hour or two of you pressing thebutton would be more useful. Why do all the ones in South-

ville seem to change instantly but not those in Hotwells?

Support your neighbourhood by

joining the HCCA 500 CLUB

Pay only 18 per year for a

chance to win

monthly prizes of 150 + 4

prizes of 25

new members Joining in jan.

2011 get 15 months membership

for the price of 12!

For application form e-mail

admin hotwellscliftonwood.org.uk

or tel: 0117 9291883


7/8

7

Events Diary

DIARYMon Jan24th

19:30 HCCA Trustees meeting 3, Charles Place, Hotwells

Thu Jan27th

19:00 Transition Hotwells &Cliftonwood meeting

The Lion, Church Lane,Cliftonowood

Sat Feb19th

19:30 Bristol Concert WindBandlicensed bartickets 5 tel: 9265401

Holy Trinity ChurchClifton Vale

Wed SatMar 9th12th

19:00 Hotwells PantomimeTreasure Island

Hope Chapel,Hope Chapel HIll

Mon Mar.14th

18:00 Community Links meeting 3, Charles Place, Hotwells

Mon Mar28th

19:30 HCCA Trustees meeting 3, Charles Place, Hotwells

Sun Apr 3rd 10:30 Mothering SundayService

Holy Trinity ChurchClifton Vale

Sun Apr24th

10:30 Easter Day Service Holy Trinity ChurchClifton Vale

Wed Feb23rd

19:00 Clifton & Clifton EastNeighbourhood Forum

to be confirmed

D O W R YCHIROPRACTIC CLINICAlison Archibald & Associates

Registered with the BritishChiropractic Association & theGeneral Chiropractic Council

back and leg painsports injuriesneck shoulder and arm painpostural adviceheadachesfree chiro checksergonomic productsavailablePerrin technique also available

MEDICAL INSURANCEAPPROVED

Tel: 0117 929 83843 Dowry Place, Hotwells, Bristol

BS8 4QLwww.archibaldclinics.co.uk

(also at Taunton 01823 412489)

REMEMBER -YOU CAN ALWAYS CHECK FOR LATEST UPDATES TOEVENTS HAPPENING IN HOTWELLS AT:

http://www.hotwellscliftonwood.org.uk/content/whats-on.htmlTo submit entries to go in the diary please e-mail:[email protected]

0117 973 [email protected] Panto time againYes, that fixture of the Hotwells Winter is coming

to Hope Chapel again. This year its Treasure Island,a rollicking yarn of piratical skullduggery and proba-

bly not much else that you might recognise fromRobert Louis Stevensons original story. As always,the Hotwells renowned special effects departmentrises to the challenge of depicting seamy taverns,sailing ships and desert islands inhabited by decora-tive young maidens by requiring you to totally sus-pend your disbelief, aided by a pint or two of BathAles draught Gem to help you through the experi-ence. We can promise an evening to remember and re-live in nightmares for years to come. Soborrow a child or two and come along; but dont sittoo near the front.Tickets from The Southville Centre tel: 0117

9231039. or Recession at 8 Jacobs Wells

Road, open Thur-Sat, 11am-6pm. Adults 8/

concession 7/ children 5All profits used to benefit local community projects

Gill Loats gives a typically subtleand understated performance atthe 2010 Hotwells Panto


8/8

8

Specialist in Floor Maintenance,Carpets, Windows and Daily

Office Cleaning.Fully Insured

G. J. TREASURECLEANING CONTRACTORS

5 Britannia BuildingsMerchants Road

HotwellsBristol BS8 4QD

Tel: (0117) 9290578 Fax: 9144316

J H THOMPSONJ H THOMPSONJ H THOMPSONJ H THOMPSON

BA (Hons) DO MRO

REGISTERED OSTEOPATH

39 Oldfield RoadHotwellsBRISTOLBS8 4QQ

Tel: (0117) 927 2100

GARY MARSHALLELECTRICAL SERVICES

40 YEARS TIMESERVED ELECTRICIAN

ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN

NIC EIC REGISTERED

T: 0117 927 354107799 252451

E: [email protected]

255 HOTWELL ROAD,HOTWELLS, BRISTOL BS8 4SF

BOOKING & ADVICE LINE0117 925 3611

www.sui-generis.me.uk

Buy locally for service and convenienceBuy locally for service and convenience

hotwells news winter 2011

Documents