Inspiring Communities is a Communities and Local Government (CLG) initiative programme responding to evidence that where communities get behind their young people, they thrive better educationally and develop higher lifelong aspirations. On our behalf, Bristol City Council has made a successful initial bid, making us one of fifteen selected communities nationwide.
People of all ages living and working in the community have been consulted to find out the most important barriers to helping our young people succeed:
It doesn’t always feel like a community
* there aren’t many opportunities for generations to come together for fun or to help each other out
* everyone fears for their physical safety, caused by the few, but tainting older residents’ view of all young people
Young people
* don’t find out about local heroes – people here and further afield who are ‘like me’ and have done well for themselves in life, leisure and work
* some are frightened, that ‘doing something different’, will mean they’re rejected by friends, family, the place they’ve grown up
Parents are very willing to do more, but need a bit of extra know-how
* How does education work today?
* How does Secondary School work, who do I get in touch with, for what and how?
* Is Henbury School like it used to be, just dressed up in new clothes?
Claire Cook the Community Campaign Leader is now working with the Council towards making a final bid in mid-November; we’ll know the outcome in December.
Monday 2 November 2009
Henbury & Brentry – in the final to receive £375,000 to support its Young People
Green Space Update
The council has currently suspended plans for major changes on the green space. This is being reviewed in January. The Community Council is pressing for specific plans to be made known so we can have a full consultation process and consider all options being put forward.
New Youth Leaders for Henbury and Brentry
Two young people have recently joined Emmanuel Chapel. While studying for their degrees in Youth and Community Work at Bristol Baptist College, they will be working for Emmanuel's Youth Project, helping to develop its youth work in the church, the wider community and Henbury School.Matt, who is 26, from Wincanton and married to Kirsty says,
“It's been great getting to know the area and I'm looking forward to working with the young people of the area and developing a detached work.”
Jess, who is 20, from Weston and single writes, '“I'm really looking forward to the prospect of working in the community, especially in School and can't wait to get stuck in and start meeting everyone.'“
We welcome Matt & Jess to the area. Please stop to talk to them if you see them out and about.
Stop Litter let’s go green
“Year five and six from Henbury Court Primary School went to Hazel Brooke to do a litter survey. We were shocked by all the litter. We found all sorts of rubbish.
Litter is a problem around Hazel Brook because you are dropping your litter and you are not picking up your dogs mess. Please pick your rubbish and put it in the bin. Make sure you are not dropping any litter. Why are you dropping litter? Do you want to live in a dump?
Don’t chuck your litter on the floor because children can’t play in Hazel Brooke without standing on dogs mess or cutting them self on glass. Also it is not safe for animals. This is some important advice. Put your litter in the bin . Don’t leave your dog mess on the floor. If you see someone dropping litter then tell them to pick it up.
Go green re-use your bottles. Don’t put them on the floor put it in the bin.”
Written by Caitlin, Year 6, age 10
Say to save the world we made
“We did a litter survey at Hazel Brooke and we found twenty two plastic bottles and fifteen crisp packets. I am only young and I know not to throw litter because my mum tells me to.
This is what the adults even children have to do. You are going to trap mini beasts and your children want to adore the mini beasts. You are making Henbury such a dump to live in. We have lots of green spaces what is the whole point of having green spaces if you don’t look after them. You nag your children to make a mess in your house. You just have to tell them not to make a mess outside.
SHOW YOU CARE.
STOP THROWING EVERYWHERE”
Written by Milla, Year 6, age 10,
Youth Centre welcome volunteers
Henbury and Brentry Youth Centre would welcome volunteers from the local community to come and help out and be involved with activities in the centre. Criminal Records Bureau checks would be carried out on any prospective volunteers. If you are interested or would like some more information, please contact Marie Manser on 0117 3773647 or 07825 315891.
What’s on at Henbury Library?
For Children
Do you ever have problems with your Homework?
We hold a Homework Club every Tuesday 3.45pm - 4.45pm- We have computers available for research and have all the equipment that you need to produce an excellent piece of work- We also have staff on hand to help you if you have a problem.
We don't just read, we write too!
Our Story Group meet every 3rd Saturday at 11.30am. Each month we have a theme we work together or separately and we use computers. Please join us if you have a story to tell.
For Adults
Have you ever thought you might like to get Online?
We have informal sessions to help you with computer use - we are able to help you set up email, word process a document or just shop online - Just pop into the library to book a session.
Reading Group
Our Reading Group is held every 4th Friday, The last books we read were Ernest Hemmingway Farewell To Arms which was, “historical, factual and worth reading, what started out as hard to follow became very worthwhile”, and P.G. Woodhouse Meet Mr Mulliner. These tall tales were funny, childish and quite unlikely adventures, but as always good clean fun.
Henbury Football Club
In 1952 a boy’s football team was formed from young players from the new estates of Henbury and Brentry, they called themselves Passage Road Old Boy’s, and played in the federation of boy’s club league. In 1958-59 the club joined the Downs league and 4 years later Henbury Old Boy’s was formed from the reserve side of Passage Road Old Boys and played on the Down’s until the 1966-67 season when the club returned to its roots to play at Arnall Drive playing fields. During this time we continued to develop football at youth level. The backbone of the club were the hard-working committee of Ron Excell, Rocky Jones, Jack Fisk ( who was our local Councillor for over 40 year’s and Lord Mayor twice), Cliff Griffin (who at 93 still makes the tea and look’s after the referees), Charlie Spicer, Ron Braithwaite and Barry Hopkins.
The first team entered the Bristol and District league and progressed to the Premier Combination with the other team’s playing in the Church of England league. The committee selected each team until team managers took over this roll in the mid 70s. Early managers were Arnold Rogers, Billy Bond and Cyril Pritchard (who is now our President); they all made their mark with their own style of management and were all very successful.
We currently run 3 senior sides and have a strong youth set-up which was formed by Bob Terry and Ron Excell in 1995 and are running 11 sides from under 16’s, which involves over 160 youths and children, and this season for the first time we are running a girl’s team.
The youth team’s are very important to the communities of Henbury and Brentry. Just recently 2 members of Paul Elliott and Darren Sealy’s under 9’s have been invited to join Bristol City academy which is not only an indication of the hard work but also the dedication that goes into running these teams.
We believe Henbury Football club is a valuable asset to Henbury and Brentry as it is a place where all cross sections of our community can come together, and it is essential that Henbury Football Club continues to serve the community giving children of the area the opportunity to focus on a positive disciplined sport such as football.
We have no shortage of children that want to represent Henbury FC.
We have dedicated football coaches and managers who give their valuable time on a voluntary basis, training children the skills of football. The enthusiasm from the children is a credit to each and every child that turns up in all winds and weathers to play football. Sport steers children away from crime, drugs and anti-social behaviour whilst giving them a sense of purpose and worth.
Jean Sallabank, Rose Clarke and Gail Wright have been voted onto the committee in a fund raising capacity, and would welcome any advice on fundraising.
If anyone is interested in joining the club either as a player or social member, or would like to sponsor a set of shirts for any of the teams please contact the secretary, Bob Terry on 07973235455 / Jean Sallabank on 0117 3307172.
Henbury Football Club would like to thank Henbury and Brentry Community Council for the very generous donation of £1000.
Have a Safe and Happy Christmas
At Christmas, criminals can often take the opportunity of our houses being full of presents to increase their criminal activity. By following a few simple rules you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of these opportunist criminals.Be Safe out Christmas Shopping
· When out shopping in crowed areas beware of pickpockets. Make sure your purse or wallet is secure. Don’t carry too much cash on you. You can always get more out.
· Be careful when using cash machines. Be aware of who is around, don’t count your cash in view of other people and put the money in a safe place.
· If travelling by car make sure you park in a well lit area, lock all doors and windows and don’t leave valuables on display.
· Do not carry too many presents at once, buy what you can sensibly carry. If your hands are full you are more vulnerable. If returning to your car, make sure you put the items in the boot.
· When returning to your car, have your keys in your hand ready so you are able to get into the car quickly.
Be safe at Home
· Do not leave presents and valuables out on display. Put your presents out as late as possible on Christmas Eve.
· Make sure your house is secure when you go out and when you go to bed.
· If you are storing presents such as bikes in outside sheds, make sure the shed is secure
· Make notes of the serial numbers of bikes and electrical goods such as computers.
· Double check your household insurance covers the extra goods in the property.
· Remember on Christmas Day, after all the presents have been opened, empty boxes left outside advertise that you have new goods inside. Dispose of your packaging carefully.
To Brentry residents
Brentry residents are still underrepresented at the meetings of the Henbury & Brentry Search Group, PACT and The Henbury & Brentry Community Council. It is important to have input from all parts of the area so anyone living in Brentry would be more than welcome to attend these meetings. The dates of the rest of the meetings for this year are:
Partners and Community Together (PACT) : Wednesday 11th November, 6-7.30pm, The Henbury Village Hall
SEARCH GROUP: Friday 11th December, The Scout Hut, Tranmere Avenue Walkabout 10.00am followed by the meeting at 11.00am
Dates for 2010 will be made available in the New Year and a full list will be included in the next newsletter.
Travel Group
The travel group has now taken over 100 local people away on holiday, visiting seven nations with places as diverse as Krakow, Shanghai and Jerusalem. A few friendships have formed and single travellers have found it a great way to get away with good company.There are a few places left on the Rome trip (Dec 15-19), but why not join us next summer (June 1-8). We've booked a Riad in Marakkech and a Kasbah in the Atlas mountains where it is possible to go trekking if you wish. Allotment
Gardening- the Green Gymn - is identified as one of the Health Education Councils recommended form of exercise for the over 50’s age group. But why wait? My children when they were younger spent many a happy hour playing hide and seek, helping pick the fruit and veg and ‘watering’ all the plants with the benefit of increasingly large water pistols while chasing around the outside paths of the plots - A great game when little. When older they earned pocket money barrowing tons of manure up the slope and watched the soil gradually transform from clay to a workable loam.
At the other end of the age scale I should like to quote Mr Powell one of Willow Tree Surgeries 88 year old patients. He had an allotment at the age of 12 years old and still has the first spade he used. He feels he is having a wonderful life and still enjoys very good health. His job as a librarian was sedentary and he feels that working outside growing fruit and veg provided a good balance to this. He felt it was a place he could lose himself and was good therapy. He still keeps his garden up and is currently harvesting runner beans in abundance ( a pound a pound in shops right now) helping eke out his pension. He is a wonderful example for all of us.
There is nothing quite as rewarding as watching seeds grow and transform without chemicals or poisons into something that not only tastes absolutely delicious but is also packed full of good nutrition. Not to mention cheap!! Soft fruit is extremely forgiving of neglect – rewarding us year after year with strawberries, raspberries redcurrants, black currants, gooseberries and tayberries – all packed full of antioxidants and vitamins to help keep our bodies in tip top condition. I am fortunate enough to have a plot on a south facing slope – allowing me to grow Grapevines. Haven’t yet got round to turning them into a glass of red wine – but one day!!
Another spin off from having an allotment was learning to cook simply, using fresh seasonal ingredients. Newly dug up new potatoes are a meal in themselves with some freshly picked salad and olive oil dressing.
The Allotment is a place where people can indulge in two of life's passions - gardening and talking. Sharing expertise with fellow gardeners and communing with Nature. The physical and mental health benefits of gardening are now well documented.
For me the allotment is a place to escape from life’s pressures. My mobile phone has no reception there – a real blessing. Sometimes I just sit and watch the wildlife around me – easy meditation and relaxation combined. Better still is the joy of doing some hard physical exercise weeding, digging, pruning and planting and then harvesting and cooking the produce.” Dr Liz Larkin, Willow Tree Surgery.
There are two allotment areas in Henbury.
The first is at Monsdale Drive. The site rep there is Pauline and she is happy to be contacted on 0117 9238510. There is a small waiting list at present but sometimes half plots are allocated within a matter of weeks if you are lucky. Average waiting times are about 6 months to 2 years – so get in early if keen!!
The second area is tucked away at Gifford Road and the site rep is Ian who can be contacted on 0117 9504436.
Walking Group
We meet at the flats/Bus Stop, usually at 9.30 am.We generally alternate local walks i.e. Henbury, Brentry, Westbury or the Downs with longer tripsbus transport is used.There are a selection of useful buses from the Mall Bus Station at Cribbs Causeway or sometimes the main Bus Station. A programme is produced each quarter with details of walks. Distances are between 2 and 6 miles and any gradients are noted. There is usually a refreshment break included. There is no membership fee but a health questionnaire must be completed. Contact Roger Grinham 0117 9853972.
Henbury Flower Show
Thank you to all who supported the Show on 25th July and helped to make it such a success. There was a wonderful display in the Village Hall and with teas in the garden and morris dancers, it was a most enjoyable afternoon. Congratulations to all winners, well done all participants and a special mention for Henbury Court School who won the Schools Cup. We hope to see you all again next year for the 22nd Show. Any queries / comments to 0117 9507712.
Community Fun Day 2009
Local traders generously donated raffle and tombola prizes and fruit and vegetables were donated by the members of Monsdale allotments. Young people of Henbury, under the supervision of PC Nick Merrick, provided mouth-watering food and PCSO Mike Bettel made an excellent clown, giving out balloon sculptures crafted on site by PCSO Abby Elliot-Taylor. We raised a pleasing amount of funds on the day, which will be spent on elderly residents of Henbury and Brentry.
The organizers would like to thank all who helped in any way on the day and in the months leading up to it but thanks most of all to everyone who came along and supported us by enjoying the afternoon. If you didn’t come there would be no Fun Day!!
The idea of the event is always to provide something for all the residents of Henbury and Brentry to come to and enjoy and prove that we are a united community and that this is a good place to live.
Feedback from our last issue
We have had lots of feedback to both our stall at the Fun Day and our last issue and your comments on the issues raised and ideas for the newsletter are always welcome.
‘Thank you again for the newsletter. However several people are extremely unhappy about the amount of space given to the parks and open space plan. As a stakeholder this is not all true. I am not toowith Sarah Fosters piece however I am not sure it should have had front page I have spoken to her today and told her how i felt and did remind her that she is a private consultant and as such should make a donation to the news letter whilst I appreciate it is in the best interest of all residents to be properly consulted its her job to do this.
‘I am sure like many residents agree we need to keep hold of our open spaces and not make it a concrete jungle any way I will assume the residents will get as much coverage in the next newsletter.’
Sue Potter by email
Mrs Potter, Thank you for your response to the articles regarding the parks and green spaces plan. We are, whether we like it or not, going to see some of our green spaces sold off and housing put in its place, it is going to affect every one of us. The consultation process is our only opportunity to stop the potential ‘concrete jungle’ and so encouraging people to engage with the debate is paramount. It is therefore such an important issue, that we felt that it should take centre stage in the newsletter reaching as many people as possible.
In future, we will have to start charging certain enterprises for their articles in the newsletter, but on this occasion, we felt the issue was the most important one and so happily printed it on the cover free of charge.
‘Perhaps you could run a petition to stop the incessant noise and danger we have to tolerate in Henbury by the illegal circling of joy rider planes over us? The noise is unacceptable the danger obvious. These planes are breaking the aviation laws by flying over densely populated areas at low altitude. It would be interesting to see how many local residents are aggrieved by this by this constant intrusion of our right to peace and quiet .
‘On a separate issue why do we have to put up with the councils narrow minded attitude -station road is infested with speed humps of varying shapes. these humps do not slow down the boy racers they only affect law abiding drivers .our cars are damaged by these humps.’
John Martin by email.
Mr Martin, I’m afraid we can’t start a petition, as it assumes a political standpoint and we wish to remain neutral as a group, representative of all the interests of all the residents and businesses of our area. We passed your comment to Tim Parkinson of the Henbury & Brentry Community Council, who has been in touch with you directly.
‘Regarding the recent newsletter on ASB, would that include bullying from neighbours? We never see anything about the problems some cause, which I am sure does go on all over, or does this just concentrate on the youngsters?’
Jenny Belsten by email
Cheryl Coles, Community Safety Officer responds ‘Thank you for your comments regarding ASB and neighbours. Neighbour problems can be quite complex and are dealt with on an individual basis, there is no one way to deal with issues that may arise. If you have any particular issues regarding neighbours please report it to the Police on 0845 4567000 or contact the Neighbourhood Policing team for your area at your local station, which for Henbury & Brentry is Avonmouth station on 0117 9454390. If you are a local authority tenant you can also report issues to the local area housing office. The new BCC call centre number is 0117 9222100.’
‘I am a young person who lives in Henbury, my name is Declan Woodhouse-Arpino and I am 13yrs old. I as wondering who is organising the Henbury fun day at Barnard Park., so I can help out on that day?’ by email.
Marianna put Declan in touch with Chris Pratt.
In response to the report on improvements to the article ‘Action on Crow Lane Anti Social Behaviour’
‘It's such a shame that it took so long for all this to happen. However it's clear that all members of the community had to hit rock bottom before action was taken. I feel that the most important aspect of this is the involvement young people who, as stated in your article, have had enough of being labeled along with those causing the trouble. A major omission of the newsletter was a report on the Henbury School Fun day which was organised by a committee of students including Joel Bowd and other students from years 11 and 10 as a direct response to public feeling. Students from the school put on performances for the crowds with excellent singing and some hilarious drama performances. As a resident it was brilliant to hark back to when I was a boy and the school did a similar Summer fete each year. My 2 1/2 year old enjoyed it all and was quite upset when we had to leave. Perhaps you could interview these amazing students about their activities and views. The newsletter is an extremely valuable resource in communicating and with the level of suspicion regarding teenagers rising it would be a heartwarming and useful exercise to show that not all teens are the same.’
Phil Clark via the website
An omission indeed! We will be seeking input from these students in future issues.
Petition objecting to the overdevelopment of green spaces
Henbury and Brentry residents will soon be faced with a very important decision on the future of our green spaces. Current plans could see large scale housing development on many of our green areas. The money made from the sale of our community land will then go into a central Bristol wide pot and then some of that money would be spent on improving the remaining green land.
Bristol City Council will be presenting its proposals to the community in the New Year—it was meant to have been sooner but apparently the costing hadn't been fully worked out. The last edition of the community newsletter set out the arguments for developing community land, yet this is only one side of the debate and in order to have a debate we need to see both sides.
I think we can all accept that there is a need for some new housing in the area and that we want to see our green spaces improved. However many residents have signed local petitions objecting to the overdevelopment of these much valued community assets. They are concerned that:
- The very act of selling off land to benefit the community would reduce the facilities available to us and not actually lead to the promised improvements.
- The money generated by the sale of our land won't necessarily be spent in our community.
- Encroaching on our green land sets a precedent for the next time the council is short of money.
- We are at the bottom of a property slump so any land sold would not fetch a good price, meaning we have to sell more to raise the money the council wants.
Whatever side of the argument you are on, the time for public consultation will soon be upon us and I don't think that anyone can remain neutral on such an important decision facing our community.
Christmas Message from James Stevenson, St.Mary's
Church Christmas Services in Henbury & Brentry
St. Mary's C of E. Church Close, Henbury www.stmaryshenbury.org.uk
Tel: 0117 950 0536
Sun 6th Dec 4pm Christingle Service
Sun 20th Dec 6.00pm Carols by Candlelight
Christmas Eve, 4.00pm Crib Service
11.15pm Midnight Mass
Christmas Day, 9.30am Family Service
Emmanuel Chapel, Satchfield Cres. Henbury
www.emmanuelhenbury.org.uk
Tel: 0117 950 1951
Sun Dec, 20th 4.00pm Carols by Candlelight
Christmas Day,10.45am Family Service
New Kingsland URC, Passage Road, Henbury
Tel: 0117 950 0782
Sun Dec 20th, 3.00pm Carols by Candlelight
Christmas Day, 9.00am Family Service
St.Antony's Catholic, Ellsworth Road, Henbury
Tel :0117 983 3906
Christmas Eve, Confessions 11.00am
Family Mass 5.00pm
Christmas Mass 9.00pm
Christmas Day, Christmas Mass 9.30am
Thursday 30 July 2009
Community Consultation
Come and See and comment on the plans for the Park at Crow Lane
On Saturday 12th of September
From 10am-4pm
At the Crow Lane
end of the Park
The Crow Lane Open Space area has been identified by the City Council as under valued . It now proposes to improve it. Views of local people, community groups and Bristol City Council have shaped a plan for making the Park more attractive to be used by those who live near it.
For further information contact Sarah Foster.
Tel. 01249 750168
email: sarah@sfplanninglink.co.uk
More details on the article Crow Lane Open Space Project
Progress on the Youth Front
(Joel Bowd, who along with Amy Hillier is leading the youth on the new forum).
Over the Autumn period Henbury will see the setting up of it's first ever 'Youth Forum'. This will give young people the chance to think about what it means to belong to a community and will provide an outlet for them to share their views. A representative from each year at Henbury School, the youth centre and the voluntary run youth groups will all be invited to take part and as things develop pupils who live in Henbury/Brentry but go to school outside the area will also be invited.
The 'old fogies' getting things up and running are PC Nick Merrick of Henbury School and Paul Thompson of Emmanuel Chapel, with guidance from Sam Parker of Bristol City Council. Watch this space.
A talented girl with a lot of opportunities
“My dad Mark gave me the task to do something on the rear wall, at his new mobility shop (see page 11). After looking at various pictures I printed this one off the internet. It took many nights and weekends to get to this stage. I have still not quite finished.
My dad lost his granddad not long before I started sketching this picture and I have included him in the second character from the right. My mum and dad spend many nights with the blinds down just looking at the picture and they show it to everybody who comes into the shop.”
Jordanne is now eighteen years old, she works part time in Iceland, starting a new business venture in the evenings but this is still on trial. She also attends Filton College full time doing art and design hoping to progress into the world of architecture and design.
Talented Year 1 dancers from Henbury Court Primary School
Last October the 20th, Year 1 children aged 5 and 6 years old started learning a new dance for the Bristol Schools Annual dance festival. The dance is a Scottish dance which involves a lot of team work, dancing in small groups on their own or with a partner. The children rose to the challenge and practiced really consistently twice a week until the dance was ready for the first performance at the Colston Hall in February this year.
All the children excitedly put on their Scottish kilts, stage make up and some held heather arches. It was amazing dancing on such a huge stage with an audience. But what a cheer we received at the end! A truly amazing experience for the children. The children so loved performing the dance that we have gone on to perform the dance many times at other venues including Westbury Village hall. The children are always asking 'When are we dancing again?!!!'
If you wish to invite our dancers to perform please contact Jane Sawyer at Henbury Court Primary School.
Activities for Young People
Brentry Youth Centre invites young people to participate in a varied programme of activities taking place throughout the summer. The Youth & Play Service in partnership with the Youth Inclusion Project, Better Together, Police, Emmanuel Chapel and other local agencies have provided a range of activities, workshops and trips for young people to access.
Young people can come and have a look, try something new, meet new people and have fun taking part in positive activities in a safe and friendly environment.
If you would like to have a look at what happens at the youth centre you are invited to come and visit on Wednesday 12th August from 1-5pm.
If you have any questions or would like further information please contact Marie Manser on 07825315891.
What’s on at Henbury Library?
Summer Reading Challenge, this is the 11th year it has been running and is called Quest Seekers. It is for children, is free with loads of great things to get involved in and our activities follow this theme. The theme is all about the power of the imagination. It will take young readers into a mysterious and wondrous land where they can discover the joy of reading and nurture a life-long love affair with books.
And for adults we would like to offer our computer taster sessions, for all aspects of how to use a computer. Whether you are a first time user, need help setting up email, want a CV to apply for jobs, or just shop
Wednesday 29 July 2009
Action on Crow Lane anti-social behaviour
Since the public meeting held on anti-social behaviour a few months ago, newly elected Henbury Councillor Chris Windows (Con) and prospective MP Charlotte Leslie have been working with the police, community groups and young people to begin to tackle the roots of the problem of crime and anti-social behaviour on Crow Lane.
A new youth group has been set up to tackle the problems with engaging young people and what can be done to stop young people from falling into a life of gangs and anti-social behaviour. The group of young people from Henbury School, aged between 10 and 16, helped organise and publicise their meeting. They identified drink, and easy access to alcohol as the core problem – and the thing that prevented young people from taking up opportunities presented to them. There must be a zero-tolerance clamp-down on convenience stores that supply alcohol to under-age drinkers.
The group also discussed ways of getting young people involved in sport and music, and said that having the Youth Club open more often, particularly at the weekend is very important. We have been liaising with community sports clubs with the aim of encouraging sports like boxing and football amongst potentially troublesome young people.
Chris said “The level of discussion at the youth group was very impressive. These young people are as fed up with the plague of anti-social behaviour as we are. We must not exclude, but involve young people who want to make their community a better place- because they have a lot to offer. Their insights into antisocial behaviour and youth crime are crucial to fixing the problem.”
Charlotte added “We cannot expect a simple quick-fix solution to the problems of crime and antisocial behaviour in Henbury and Brentry. But we will improve things by steadily working to build up activities for young people in the area, and by ensuring that there is always a strong police presence to keep young people in order.”
Charlotte and Chris are always on the look out for residents who think they might be able to help – whether through offering volunteering time, or expertise. So if you would like to find out more,email: chris.windows@bristol.gov.uk or telephone 0117 9736811.
Partnership working achieves positive results
As everyone will be aware, we have worked tremendously hard in Henbury to tackle anti-social behaviour and reassure the community that it is a safe place to live and shop. We know that some people are worried about the removal of the Contact Vehicle as gangs may hang about again. We will continue to work hard to ensure that that does not happen by maintaining a visible presence by the Neighbourhood Policing Team. We have been very successful through partnership working in obtaining Injunctions
and ASBOs for the ring leaders (see photo's). Although we appreciate there is more work to do in Henbury and Brentry by the Police and partner agencies, we have made a good start and will continue to target known offenders.
It is important that you support us by reporting incidents and providing statements when required. We are working together to make Henbury & Brentry a safer place to live, work and play.
New Practice Manager at Bradgate Surgery
Bradgate Surgery is delighted to welcome Sharron Norman as its new practice manager. Sharron comes to us with a wealth of experience after spending several years heading a rural practice.
We have now collated all your comments from the recent patient questionnaire and as a result changes have been made to our booking system. Details of these can be found by logging onto our website www.bradgatesurgery.nhs.uk or by calling into the surgery.
Our opening times are 8.00am–6.30pm Monday to Friday.
News from Willow Tree Surgery
Older patients from Willow Tree Surgery will have the opportunity to take part in an an exciting new arts project this Autumn.
Using a grant from The Quartet Fund, Bristol- based Charity, the project will bring them together with teenagers from Henbury School to create life stories in a mixture of artistic media.
'Sharing experiences and making a unique piece of art work is a good way to bridge the gap between generations. We hope that, as well as being fun and rewarding for the people involved, it will be good for the health of the community too.' said Dr Marion Steiner, of Willow Tree Art Group.
Please contact her on 0117 9507750 if you would like to join in.
Roasted vegetables and feta Tart
This flan is much lower in fat than a traditional quiche. It is delicious with boiled new potatoes, and a green salad. Serves 8
Ingredients:
For the pastry:
125g/4½oz self-raising flour,
50g/1 3/4oz oatmeal,
75g/2¾oz butter
For the Filling:
1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped
1 yellow pepper, deseeded and chopped
1 courgette, sliced
1 aubergine, chopped
1 red onion, cut into wedges
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (or dried if unavailable)
75g/2¾oz feta cheese, crumbled
25g/1oz pine nuts- walnuts are also good
salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas mark 6.
Sift the flour into a large bowl. Stir in the oatmeal, then rub in the butter, until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in enough water to combine the mixture.
Roll out on a lightly floured surface to make a 20cm round, place on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment, chill for 15 minutes, then bake blind for 15 minutes, or until a light golden colour
Meanwhile, place all the vegetables into a roasting tin, drizzle over the oil and toss through the garlic. Place in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly charred on the edges.
Toss through the oregano and season well, spoon over the pastry base. Sprinkle over the feta and pine nuts and return to the oven for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve warm or cold.
Nutritional information
Each serving contains: 231 calories
5g protein
22g carbohydrates
14g fat
SEARCH Group
The Henbury & Brentry SEARCH GROUP would welcome residents who live in Brentry to come along to our meetings as that part of our area is under represented at the moment. Your input would be valuable. See list of dates and venues on Dates for you Diary.
Henbury Fruit, Flower & Vegetable Competition
There will be a Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Competition at the Fun Day on 22nd August so if you have grown something you are proud of or would like to enter a flower arrangement, pick up a leaflet from the Library for more information.
There will be a number of categories, for all ages, and the winners will receive a prize.
So don’t be shy! Pick up a leaflet and have a go.
Henbury and Brentry Transition Group
The next Henbury and Brentry Transition group meeting will be on Saturday 25th July, 10.30 - 12.00 at Crow Lane library meeting room, Henbury ALL WELCOME!
We will be discussing the Summer fun day on 22nd August - in particular the 'Henbury Bag' project and the Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Competition. Sections will include est plate of soft fruit; biggest marrow or pumpkin; dish of potatoes; bunch of carrots posy of flowers; arrangement of garden flowers; one specimen rose; vase of flowers grown by a young person; and many more! Prizes will be awarded in each section. So don't be shy! Entry forms will be available from the library .
Come along and find out what your local Transition group is doing!
Coffee morning at Emmanuel Chapel
Did you know there's a corner of Henbury where, every Wednesday the temperature is a good 1 degree hotter from all the chatter taking place at Emmanuel's coffee morning?
We have been running non stop now for about four years and it's open to anyone who would like to break up their routine between 10am and 12 noon.
You don't have to be a church goer to attend and the subject of conversation is very varied. For those of you who do have a particular world view come and share it. What you will find is a willingness to listen.
If you just want a cup of coffee it's only 35p and you will get to know other folk from this great community.
WEDNESDAY'S 10am, Satchfield Crescent.
Church Services in Henbury & Brentry
St. Mary's C of E. Church Close, Henbury www.stmaryshenbury.org.uk
Tel: 0117 950 0536
Services Sunday 8.00 am & 9.30am (Holy Communion)
Emmanuel Chapel, Satchfield Cres. Henbury
www.emmanuelhenbury.org.uk
Tel: 0117 950 1951
Main Service Sunday10am.
New Kingsland URC, Passage Road, Henbury
Tel: 0117 950 0782
Main Service Sunday 11am
Brentry Church, Lower Knole Lane, Brentry
Tel: 0117 962 1473
Main Services Sunday 11.00am & 6pm
St.Antony's Catholic, Ellsworth Road, Henbury
Tel :0117 983 3906
Mass, Saturday 6.30pm & Sunday 9.30am
North Bristol Wellbeing Choir Opens the Colston Hall Foyer
Saturday the 16th of May marked a momentous day for Members of the North Bristol Wellbeing choir who were invited to take part in the opening of the new Colston Hall golden foyer. The Wellbeing Choir performed outside the building to a large crowd, who clapped and sang along with them, before the Mayor gave a speech and a local resident cut the ribbon, and the public streamed inside to see for themselves what all the song and dance was about!
The Choir were treated to a guided tour from Choir leader Rachael Coulson around the building, before being whisked away for their 2nd performance of the day at Eden Grove Multicultural Feast.
“It’s been a brilliant day, I’d never have thought I had the confidence to do something like this, the choir has helped me build confidence and has helped me in managing some of my health issues, I was really nervous at first but I love it now and hate it when I have to miss a session” NBWC Member.
The wellbeing Choir has been set up for people to help improve their health and wellbeing. It has been medically proven that singing together regularly improves not only circulatory and respiratory health issues, but also lifts the spirits and helps lessen the symptoms of depression. It has also been proven to help core stability and strength, and to improve the memory.
If you or someone you know, would like to give the choir a go, it is completely free. You can go along to any sessions and join in. No experience is necessary. The Wellbeing Choir runs every Wednesday in term time from the Greenway centre in Southmead from 7.00-9.00. Everyone welcome. Any enquiries please contact Hannah Currant on 0117 9224670.
Travel Group
After a few long haul trips the next next visit sees an invitation to join a pre Christmas journey to Rome.
The price includes flights from Bristol, taxes, transfers, 3* central hotel, breakfast, two dinners, a full day tour with local guide and entrance fees to Roman Forum and Colosseum. Cost: £465. Dates: 15-19 December.
For further details and booking form contact Paul on 950-1951 or
paulthompson29@activemail.co.uk
A Warm Welcome To the new Mark’s Mobility Service and Repairs
We’ve received a warm welcome from new friends and old since our move.
After ten years of mainly concentrating on servicing and repairs for all mobility products we decided to open a shop, inspired by the stories of people paying well over the odds for new products.
We stock a wide range of new and ex-demo scooters, wheelchairs, rise and recline beds and chairs, bath lifts and stair lifts at unbeatable prices. We also hold hundreds of affordable living aids in stock, from walking sticks to shoes. We have access to over 2000 different products and a shop from home catalogue.
We hold service contracts for The Mall, Bristol Zoo, NHS, Partners in Enterprise with the Disabled Living Centre and members of the The British Health Centre Trade Association.
This is Nick, an entertaining character who welcomed us to the area. Nick has 
suffered a medical condition since his teens but has led a normal working lifestyle until retiring a few years ago. Owning a scooter was his dream but he had limited access to his property. Mark assessed the situation and a few weeks later we handed him the keys to his first scooter Daisy (the silver dream machine).
Why not pop in for a coffee, we even have disabled toilet facilities. Whilst you are here, why not sit back and admire the portrait our daughter Jordanne pencilled on the back wall.
A true masterpiece (see page 2).
Mark & Marie,
52 Satchfield Crescent, Henbury (from Crow lane turn into Ellsworth Road and follow the road around)
Tel: 0117 91 55 253
Deadline for next issue
If you would like to give us an article or your input for the next issue please send your email to mariannapaf@hotmail.com or contact us before the
2nd of October ‘09.
Feedback from our last issue
Firstly, a new idea for the newsletter:
“Just wanted to say that I think your newsletter is very good and thank you to everyone who puts so much effort into it.
One idea, have you thought of doing polls and then publishing the response in the next issue? -Martin”
Thanks Martin, a really good idea, we’re all about giving people a voice. You can vote on the newsletter website: http://henburyandbrentrynewsletter.blogspot.com.
The question this quarter is:
How did you find the Fun Day? Do you have any suggestion for next year?
Secondly, a little note about how the newsletter comes in handy… Our editor, Marianna, was contacted recently by a lady whose mother had returned to the village from hospital. She was looking for information about care and social services in our area and Marianna was pleased to help find some local information about day centre services for the elderly and put the lady in touch with Bradgate Surgery who were further able to help.
Thank you to the person who contacted us about anti-social behaviour amongst neighbours, asking whether we have a problem in our area with this or if it was mainly young people and gangs in the public areas. We've passed your enquiry to PCSO that will contact you.
Lastly, we are still in need of help! As always, all offers of help with distributing the newsletter are gratefully received. Contrary to many expectations, we don’t load you up with hundreds (unless that’s what you want!), if you can do a little cul-de-sac, we are just as thankful. Another area in which we are struggling is finding funding to produce the newsletter. For the immediate future, we have secured some funds, however it is an ongoing issue. We do accept personal donations and you can advertise your business here for very reasonable rates. At present, you can reach 4000+ households for as little as £40. (depending on the size)
Do get in touch with us by emailing us at henburyandbrentrynewsletter@gmail.com or on mariannapaf@hotmail.com or by phone to Marianna on 0117 9507032 or 0791 3037199.
St Mary the Virgin Church
The church of St Mary the Virgin was built around 1200 with the nave and lower tower surviving from that period. In the early 13th century the upper tower, chancel and south chapel were added. The north chapel was built and restoration work was carried out by Thomas Rickman in 1836, and the church was further restored by George Edmund Street in 1875-7.
The earliest record of Henbury dates from 692AD when the Mercian King, Ethelred son of Penda, gave lands to the second Bishop of Worcester in what was then known as "Henbury in the Saltmarsh." It was a large parish, going as far north as Aust. Today the parish is smaller though, in size, said to be the largest in the Bristol Diocese and it stretches from Cribbs Causeway out to the Severn Estuary, including Brentry, Henbury and the vales of Hallen.
The first Norman building was succeeded by the present building in the 12th Century. Almost one hundred years later Bishop Giffard ordered the parishioners of Brentry to rebuild the chancel, which they duly did, making it longer and with the marked northward slant we see today.
St Mary's was then reordered in two phases during the 19th century, the second of which was overseen by the celebrated Victorian George Street. No subsequent work was completed on the building until 2008.
Residents of Henbury Churchyard include the Egyptologist Amelia Edwards, but no monument is more poignant or visited than that of Scipio Africanus. A servant of the Earl of Suffolk and Bindon, Scipio Africanus died in 1720 aged only 18 years. The stones, inside and outside the building tell the story of a community of worshipping Christians that has lasted over 1300 years.
Crow Lane Open Space Project
Bristol City Council Parks department are preparing an Area Green Space Plan for the Neighbourhood Partnership covering Henbury and Southmead. As part of the Area Green Space Plan, Crow Lane Open Space is now being analysed to identify a series of improvements to make it more attractive to the local community it serves.
The Council has appointed a team of consultants to draw up plans for the open space/park area. This is following on from work already carried out by the Parks Department and a series of key community groups in Henbury on the City’s Park’s and Green Space Strategy over recent months.
Initial community consultation on the Crow Lane Project began in May 2009 when a leaflet was distributed to local community groups and schools inviting comments and ideas for improvements. This feedback has informed the overall emerging improvement plan which is currently being prepared.
Any improvements will need to be funded through developing small pockets of the park area with housing which is consistent with Policy LM7 within the Parks and Green Space strategy. As part of this process accommodation for an elderly persons support facility and sheltered home complex of 60 units will be promoted, together with some family housing on some edges of the open space area in order to increase the sense of natural surveillance by providing properties overlooking the site.
There is NO plan or intention to cover the open space with housing. The intention is for a small amount of housing to be released to fund a much improved open space and play area for local people, which will then be protected.
Local people are invited to see the plans , and comments and views will be invited, at a Consultation Event to be held in the Park on Saturday 12 September 2009 from 10am-4pm.
If you have any questions or queries on the Crow Lane Project, please contact Sarah Foster, tel. 01249 750168 or email: sarah@sfplanninglink.co.uk
For more information on the draft plan for Henbury and Southmead, which is programmed to be completed this year and then consulted on in January 2010, contact Heather Barham on heather.barham@bristol.gov.uk or tel. 0117 9223087 or look at www.bristol.gov.uk/parkstrategy for more details.
Thursday 26 March 2009
Former Swimming Pool site on Crow Lane
The date for determining the future of this site with Aldi's detailed application for a store and outline planning permission for 40 units of housing was postponed to 14th January 2009 from the previously announced 17th November 2008. Two days before the hearing on the 14th Aldi withdrew the housing application in the face of a recommendation for outright rejection by the planners. At the public hearing on 14th January the application was approved by all members of the Planning Committee after the Chairman proposed the following additional requirements:
Community transport
Following the planning approval for the Aldi store on Crow Lane, have committed to providing a total of £12,000 towards a 3-year scheme to fund a 3 year lease of a 12-seat mini bus. The bus will have ramp access and serve the areas of Henbury and Brentry over 3 - 4 mornings each week. The service will be operated by Lawrence Weston Community Transport from the date the store is open. It is envisaged that the route will include all existing retail areas in Brentry and Henbury including, of course, the Aldi store. The next step is a survey to confirm the likely number of users and optimum route.
Green Spaces Consultation
A city wide consultation on how the existing green spaces should be improved and maintained is being carried out in order to produce an overall Plan which will itself be the subject of wide public consultation and meetings later in 2009.
Community Transformer at Henbury School
Pupils from Henbury School have taken part in the Pilot Project for the Community Transformers Fund. The fund is a new scheme set up by The Safer Bristol Partnership and the Police Community Trust. Under the scheme young people can put forward bids for projects they have devised to benefit the community through their school or youth worker. There will be a special Oscar style award ceremony in October, with special awards for the most successful ideas and the young people who have contributed the most.
Henbury Court Primary School is on the up!
"As Chair of Governors I would like to say that I am proud to be associated with Henbury Court Primary School and am delighted at the new building. I would like to pay tribute to everyone who works in the school for the way that they gave up much of their own time to deal with the various moves that had to take place and to ensure that, despite the building chaos over most of the year, the school managed to run smoothly. The whole school was in attendance at the Grand Opening and they sang 'Don't build your 
house on sand' brilliantly, complete with actions.
I often walk around the school and am impressed by the friendliness and confidence of the children: although academic results are clearly important and are always stressed, it is equally important for children to feel happy in school and to enjoy learning. I was recently in school during their 'creative curriculum' week when each class chose an 'Imaginary world' theme, such as aliens, underground and stick world. They decorated their classrooms appropriately and the curriculum for that week was largely based on that theme. It is events like this that make learning both fun and memorable. The school is a lively place to be in and there is always some even
t about to happen - this term there is a Dance Festival when the whole school will take part, an Easter Bonnet Parade and an Egg Decorating Competitition.
I would like to share with you just one other experience. Wanting to meet recently with Sue Anstey, the Head, I was told the only chance I had that week was to catch up with her at the Swimming Gala at Henbury Pool. There, our children did pretty well, but one other school struggled to find four children who could swim a length. One of our boys offered to swim for them and this he did. I thought this was so generous, but when I commented on it to his class teacher she said that was the sort of thing she would expect. I think that sums up why I am proud to be a governor at the school. It is definitely a school that is going forward.”
Daphne Kerslake, Chair of Governors
Henbury Court Primary School.
What's on at Henbury Library?
It's Crime Time at a Library near you...
Like reading crime? Ever read a book and been dying to talk about it? Steal yourself away for a few hours and join our new crime reading club! Starting in April and alternating between Henbury and Sea Mills Libraries, we'll meet on the last Tuesday of the month from 2.30 until 3.30pm - dates as follows:
Tuesday 28th April - Henbury Library - bring along your favourite crime novel
Tuesday 26th May - Sea Mills Library
Tuesday 30th June - Henbury Library
Tuesday 28th July - Sea Mills Library
Come along, we suspect you might like it!!
Did you know....?You can reserve items online at www.librarieswest.org.uk
You can borrow up to 20 items at once with your library card.
It's free to use the computers in the library.
Henbury Court Children's Centre
The Centre has now been open for five months. Many local families are enjoying using the Centre both for Day Care and for Community Groups.
After Easter we shall be starting two new groups on Mondays. In the morning Active Tots and in the afternoon Bumps and Babes for pregnant Mums. Our other Community Groups meet through the week in term-time as shown in our programme on page7. Drop-In and Baby Clinic on Fridays continue throughout the school holidays.
Do please call into the Centre for details of our services or give us a ring on 0117 3534479.
Freedom Programme
The Freedom Programme is a 12-week support programme for women. It is run as a rolling programme, which means you can join at any point. The benefits are the same as long as you can complete 12 weeks. The Freedom programme is open to any woman who wishes to learn more about the reality of domestic abuse and aims to:
Help women understand the beliefs held by abusive men and in doing so, recognise which of these beliefs they have shared
* To show the effects of domestic abuse on children
* To help women recognise potential future abusers
* To help women gain self esteem and the confidence to improve the quality of their lives
* To introduce women to community resources
The Freedom Programme is run from several venues across Bristol. All courses are open to women from any area.
For more information on the Freedom Programme contact Bristol Domestic Abuse Forum Co-ordinator on 0117 9142232 or http://www.freedomprogramme.co.uk/.
Anti Social Behaviour in Henbury
“For a number of years, the police and other local service providers in Henbury have wrestled with an ever present level of anti social behaviour (ASB), often involving groups of young people at key locations in the area. Overall crime is falling, and robbery in Henbury has actually dropped by 40% compared to the same time last year, but a recent increase in ASB, coupled with media interest in a recent case, has refocused attention on Henbury. Although I am gradually increasing police resilience in the area, this should not be seen as just a police problem, and our partners within the local authority are also working with us to develop some lasting solutions. The improvement of youth provision in the area is considered a key factor for diverting the marginal offenders away from the ring leaders, who themselves will need intensive work through all the agencies. In 2009 it is my intention to add another Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) to the Henbury team, and with the return of PC Rachel Mann from maternity leave, police visibility and capacity will improve considerably. We remain committed to tackling this problem, and want the communities of Henbury to feel and be safe.”
Inspector Mark Jackson, Avon and Somerset Police
Cycling and the Law
Avonmouth Neighbourhood Policing Team are working in partnership with Bristol City Council and the community of Henbury and Brentry to reduce the number of cyclists riding on footpaths and pavements in your area. From a recent PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meeting the number of cyclists riding on the pavements and footpaths is a great concern to community members and as a result has now become a PACT priority for us to look at and if necessary enforce the laws that cover all aspects of cycling.
Pavements are for pedestrians and people using the pavement have the right to feel safe and protected from traffic, including bicycles. You may feel that you are doing no harm by cycling on the pavement and you may feel confident that you will not injure or hurt anyone. But pedestrians don’t share your confidence. Because while you know where you and your bike are going, they do not, and may believe they are in danger. It’s not easy for pedestrians to predict your exact route. They could be worried about a number of things:
• Is the cyclist headed for the same area of pavement as me?
• Has the cyclist seen me?
• Will the cyclist slow down, as they get closer?
• Will the cyclist be skilled enough to avoid me if they don’t slow down? Cycling on the pavement can be even more threatening to people with poor balance. Many of these people are older or disabled and have a constant fear of falling. Cycling on the pavement simply adds to this fear.
CYCLING ON THE PAVEMENT IS ILLEGAL
You are breaking the law when you cycle on the pavement. If you are found to be cycling on the pavement, you could have to pay an on the spot fine or be prosecuted. It is important that cyclists are familiar with the parts of the traffic law that apply to them.
Cyclists are not permitted to ride on pavements (unless specifically signed as shared use), through subways or over pedestrian crossings.
Cyclists must obey traffic signals, signs and one-way orders.
At night, cyclists must show a white light to the front and a red light and red reflector to the rear of the bicycle. The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations require bicycles to be fitted with lights and reflectors which are clean and working, when being ridden on public roads between sunset and sunrise and at other times in conditions of severely reduced visibility.
A white front and a red rear light are required by the legislation, as are one red rear reflector and four amber pedal reflectors (for bicycles manufactured since October 1985).
Since October 2005, it has been legally permitted to ride a bicycle with a flashing light.
This is aimed at the cyclists who are cycling on the pavement that are causing a danger to pedestrians in the manner in which they are cycling.
Discretion will be used in the prosecution of offenders.
Cycling and the Law (continued)
Wear helmet : Recommended
Wear bright/reflective clothes : Recommended
Use front and rear lights at night : The law!
Have red rear reflector : The law!
Have white front reflector and/or spoke reflectors : Recommended
Have orange pedal reflectors : The law! (if cycle manufactured after 01/10/1985)
Obey traffic signals : The law!
Keep hands/feet on handlebars/pedals : Recommended
Ride no more than two abreast (generally) : Recommended
Ride single file (narrow or busy roads) : Recommended
Do not carry anything that will affect riding : Recommended
Be considerate : The law!
Look and signal before moving : Recommended
Look ahead for hazards (including vehicles turning) : Recommended
Do not carry passengers : The law! (unless cycle designed for more than one rider)
Do not hold on to other moving vehicles : The law!
Do not ride dangerously, carelessly or inconsiderately : The law!
Do not ride whilst under the influence of drink or drugs : The law!
Do not ride on the pavement : The law!
Do not pass red traffic lights : The law!
Use bus lanes : Acceptable (but only if marked for cycle use)
Only turn right when there is a gap in traffic : Recommended
Only cross a solid white line in the middle of the road if vehicle being overtaken is moving less than 10mph : The law!
Take care on roundabouts/dual carriageways : Recommended
Wheel bikes across pedestrian crossings : Recommended
Cross cycle-only crossings only on a green light : The law!
Cycle parking and security:
Always lock your bicycle, even if you are just leaving it for a couple of minutes.
Park your bike safely and considerately.
Make use of cycle parking stands where these are provided. Park your bike where it will not be a hazard, obstruction or inconvenience to other pedestrians - particularly the visually impaired and other disabled people. Allow space for prams and wheelchairs, other cyclists or occupants leaving motor vehicles. Never park in front of a fire exit.
Lock your bike to an immovable object.
Use a proper bike rack/ground anchor or robust street furniture -for example lamp-posts or railings (but observe requests not to use certain items of street furniture and be sure not to cause any damage). Remember that thieves can remove drainpipes and lift bikes off signposts.
Lock your bike through the frame and secure removable parts.
Lock both wheels and the frame together. Take with you smaller parts and accessories that can be removed without tools, for example lights, pumps, computers, panniers and quick-release saddles, or fit security fasteners on items such as wheels, headsets and seat posts.
Compiled by PCSO 9551 Elliott-Taylor, any queries please don’t hesitate to contact me via 0845 456 7000.
News from Willow Tree Surgery
The New Year has started with a burst of energy at Willow Tree Surgery, Trevelyan Walk. Responding to comments by patients about the difficulty of getting appointments, staff have developed a new system which allows patients to speak to a doctor on the telephone to plan their care. Advice can be given, tests arranged and patients who need a longer appointment, or one at a particular time of day, can be accommodated.
Feedback from the early days of the “GP triage” system, which is on trial, has been good from all sides. Patients are usually seen the same day and appointments are more efficient- for example, x ray and test results are available. Staff also feel less stressed. The system works best if patients can ring in first thing in the morning - the telephone number is the same 0117 9507750. The doctor will usually ring back within an hour.
Willow Tree Surgery
1 Trevleyan Walk, Henbury
Bristol BS10 7NY
Patients as Artists
Another innovation is the setting up of the Willow Tree Art Group, a collaborative project between the Southmead and Henbury Family Practice and Henbury School. Community artist, Barbara Disney, who has experience helping patients at other GP surgeries, will be working with people whose medical problems may benefit from creativity. Research has shown that people with depression, anxiety and chronic ill health can benefit from participating in art- even people who haven’t picked up a paintbrush since primary school.
A Delicious Catch
This is the trout caught by a patient, Mr Harvey Johnstone at Chew Valley Lake.
And here is the recipe, with home-grown allotment vegetables, which made it into a delicious supper.
Baked trout with Rainbow Chard
A large trout - your own catch, or someone else’s- cleaned and gutted.
Large bunch of rainbow chard, or spinach, or kale, washed and well-chopped.
A large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 lemon- zest and juice
Large knob of butter and a splash of olive oil
Soy sauce
Black pepper
Fresh herbs to garnish
Heat oil and half the butter in a heavy-bottomed pan with a lid, gently fry the onion until clear, then turn up heat slightly and add garlic and brown slightly.
Stir in vegetables, turn off heat, stir in lemon zest, half the lemon juice, black pepper and a good splash of soy sauce.
Tip contents of pan into a baking dish, then lay the trout on top. Dot the trout with rest of butter. Cover dish with foil. Bake in pre-heated oven at 180C, gas mark 4, 350F, for 20-30 mins according to size of fish.
Garnish with any chopped, fresh herbs.
Serve with rice - wholegrain is nutty and nutritious.
If you are interested in catching your own fish : http://www.chewvalleyfishing.co.uk/
If you’d like to grow rainbow chard, seeds are available from http://www.organiccatalog.com
If you’d like to know how to get an allotment :
http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/navigation/environment-and-planning/parks-and-open-spaces/allotments/
Dr Marion Steiner
Willow Tree Surgery
Henbury & Brentry Transition Group
Transition Henbury/Brentry is a locally based group, looking towards the future when the oil runs out. We are, like many other communities, thinking about ways we can make the transition to a less oil dependent way of life. We meet in the Library every other month on the last Saturday. Do come and join us.
Henbury Flower Show
The annual HENBURY FLOWER SHOW will be held on Saturday, 25th July, in the Village Hall. This is a little later than usual but we are hoping for better gardening conditions this year and lots of entries of flowers, fruit and vegetables, art and crafts, cookery and photography - and a lot more.