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

We will be there too!!

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.