ISSUE 10March 2004

YYOOUURR NNEEWWSSLLEETTTTEERRSpring is on its way to Knowle West

With the daffodils poking out bravely throughthe snow and the days getting longer, we saygoodbye to winter. Our first newsletter of 2004focuses on health issues, and also highlightsthe continuing regeneration of our communitythrough arts projects.What a pleasure to see how many pieces – bothjournalistic and creative – have been written bylocal residents. Tracey’s article on Filwood Hope,the poems, Ted’s report from Inns Court and inparticular, the excellent report about thePlymouth visit from 13 year old Shaunna Wright.

In the April/May issue, we will be reporting onenvironmental matters and clean-ups. Do youhave anything you would like to write for usabout this, or any other topic?Please contact:AAnn iittaa PPeeaarrcceeNeighbourhood Renewal Participation GroupFilwood Community CentreFilwood BroadwayKnowle WestTel: 908 4248anitapearce.nr@knowlewest.co.uk

WWW.KNOWLEWEST.CO.UK

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Due to the high standard of Xmas light decora-tions and the considerable amount of effortand thought put in by a lot of residents thisyear, we decided it would be unfair to just givea prize to one house as overall winner. So, wehave agreed to share the prize between 5.These winners will receive £25 Asda Vouchers:

9 St, Whytes Rd79 Exmouth Rd30 Hartcliffe Rd66 Throgmorton Rd26 Novers Rd

CCoonnggrraattuullaatt iioonn ss ttoo yyoouu aa ll ll!!

XMAS LIGHTS COMPETITION

As the picture here and on our front covershows, parents, babies and young children whobelong to Sure Start have a great time playingin the water at Florence Brown School onMonday lunchtimes. One parent said, “Mychild gets very excited when he arrives. Hestarts to bounce up and down as he enters theschool.” Another parent reported that sheliked coming because there were lots of thingsto do and people to help her children.For any more information please telephone903 9781.

Local resident Joyce Jenkins learns new skills andfinds a mouse at a computer training sessionfunded by Neighbourhood Renewal's PeoplePower. FFi contact: Denis Buchan tel: 908 4229

SILVER SURFERS SWIM TOTS

Her hair is the colour of goldHer eyes dark, sultry and boldHer lips soft, silken and sweetIt's heaven when you kiss and your lips meetYou look at her, you’re content at lastYou never thought you would fall for her quite so fastYou hold her in your arms, oh so tightBoth of you together just seems so rightYour love is strong and will never breakA lovely couple you both do makeHand in hand you walk togetherYour love a bond that lasts foreverThrough thick and thin, sickness and ill healthAs long as you’re together your love is yourwealth.

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THE STORY OF FILWOOD HOPE

Many memories came flooding back as I sat listening to Richard Pearce the Project Managerof Filwood Hope. I remembered helping as avolunteer in the first year of opening, it was anextremely rewarding experience.

Filwood Hope started as a dream. The Councilof Churches in Knowle West had a vision ofrunning a Christian Coffee Bar in FilwoodBroadway as a way of meeting the needs of thecommunity, an ambitious scheme for a group ofpoor churches without financial resources. In1994 the Director of Network ChristianCounselling John Turner and Fr Richard McKay,Parish Priest of Christ the King managed tosecure funds from a trust to purchase propertyand the vision became reality.

On December 2nd 1996 the doors of Filwood Hope opened to the public. On April29th 1997 the Official Opening and Blessingwas held, with the Bishop of Bristol and theother church present alongside the Lord Mayerof Bristol. The Service of Dedication was heldat Christ the King. This was a very special dayfor all and a very colourful one as I remember.After the service we carried multi coloured banners from the church to the centre portrayingour hopes for the future.

To this day Filwood Hope provides specialistadvice about debt, unemployment, benefits,Victim Support, legal matters and much more.There is always a warm welcome to those whoeither seek advice or just need a cup of tea, achat and an opportunity to browse through aselection of good quality second hand clothing.There is disabled access and a crèche. I’m surethat many of us including myself have receivedhelp and advice from all those at Filwood Hopewho are dedicated to serving us in KnowleWest. This is a way of saying “ Thank You ”from all of us to all of you.

If you need advice, are interested in becominga volunteer or would like to contribute to theFriends of Filwood Hope scheme, please contactRichard tel: 0117 963 4566 fax: 0117 9535437 email: filwoodhope@knowlewest.freeserve.co.uk.

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STREET POETRYSSttrreeeett WWaarrddeenn ss rroommaann tt iicc?? YYoouu bbeett !!TThhee ppooeemm bbee llooww wwaass ww rriitttteenn bbyy MMaarrkkDDrraakkee ,, SSttrreeeett WWaarrddeenn SSuuppeerrvv iiss eerr..

LOVE

WALKIE TALKIE

The Knowle West Healthy Walking Group weregiven a surprise challenge during a recentrefreshment break at Windmill Hill City Farm.“Someone from 'The Poetry Can' approachedour tables, introduced themselves and saidthey were aiming to collect 1001 Poems ofBristol and invited the walkers to take part,”explains Cheryl Martin.

As if by magic Pat Payne, with suggestionsfrom Jean, Rene, Brenda and Ron created this:

Through the park And down the hill, Walking in the rain, We found ourselves at City Farm Feeling glad we came. A green oasis in the streets And what is more it's free. A healthy walk, A breath of air, A nice hot cup of tea.

THE WALK

For the past 6 months our Knowle West team,Sue Woodford, Ann-Marie Baber, Jade Cooper(pictured) and Emma Thomas, have been gath-ering information from residents on what it islike living in Knowle West. 93% like their homeand 65% of the 131 interviewed so far neverwant to live anywhere else, in fact a total of80% have no intention of moving anywhereelse in the near future.

Each local individual interviewed has given anhour of their time to help I.R.I.S (InvolvingResidents In Solutions). They have talkedabout: their likes, dislikes, solutions to life inKnowle West, what facilities they use, and whatimprovements could be made. With this infor-mation I.R.I.S will put together a comprehensivepicture of what the community of Knowle Westthink of their area. There is much to be proudof and many issues which unite communities.

We are still interviewing local people, if you areinterested in participating or hearing morecontact the I.R.I.S team on 0117 9350022.

NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL

On 6th February, with residents and Neighbour-hood Renewal (NR) workers I went to Plymouthfor a weekend to see how other communitiesare putting their NR funds to good use. I visitedtwo venues. The first was the Millfields Trust.This was based in the old Navy Hospital siteand had many substantial buildings. We weregiven a presentation by Roger Pipe (ex KWDT)who described how it was running at 100%capacity. NR money was being used for helpingyoung people to build and manage a resourcefor young people. Of the whole project, only oneperson employed was local -that is the Handy-Man.

I then went to the Eastend project. This was anarea similar to Knowle West with regard to itsproblems, i.e. poverty, health inequalities andoverall neighbourhood decline. One of theKnowle West residents commented how muchclearer NR was since going on this trip ratherthan just sitting on a committee trying tounderstand it all. Personally I thought theEastend Project was excellent. I know we aredoing well in Knowle West because of theamount of different projects we already havewell established.

One difference between Knowle West and theEastend Project is the size. Eastend has around6,000 residents and Knowle West has around20,000. This probably explains why we havedifficulty pleasing everyone all of the time, andthe need for many residents to become involved.This is how we get a much wider opinion.

The whole weekend was excellent and thanksshould go to Anita and Tracey for all the organi-sation. My favourite memory of the weekend isof 4 women and one wheelchair with coats,bags and umbrellas trying to fit into what musthave been Plymouth’s smallest taxi!!!RR oossee MMaannnn iinngg

PLYMOUTH TRIP

WE WOULDN’T LIVEANYWHERE ELSE!

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A visit to Plymouth was arranged for my Mumto see how Neighbourhood Renewal was beingrun in another place. I didn’t really want to go,I thought it would be boring and I wanted tostay at home. Everyone on the trip was reallyfriendly and ready to listen to anything thechildren wanted to say. We had fun trips. Thefirst one was to Clayart – where we decoratedtiles, ornaments etc. At Woodlands ventureplayground there were many rides, but unfor-tunately they were all closed due to the timeof year and the weather. But the indoor activi-ties were open for everyone and I enjoyedthem very much. On the last trip we visitedthe aquarium, where there were many fish anddifferent species to see. We even saw all thecharacters from Nemo!On all the trips the crèche workers were brilliant – kind, fun and friendly. I took manypictures to remind me of this weekend toPlymouth. It was FAR from boring.

SShhaauunnnnaa WWrr iigghhtt -- aged 13

NOT SO BORING

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Urban 2 is the name of an initiative whichfunds projects within South Bristol. Funded bythe European Union, Urban 2 currently funds21 projects. It is unique in Europe as the steeringcommittee is made up of mainly under 18s. TheUrban Team consists of a Programme Manager,Development Worker and an AdministrationOfficer. The Urban 2 team are based on ThePark, Daventry Road, Knowle West and commenced in November 2001. Steve Morris became Programme Manager inNovember 2001. He has a wealth of experiencewithin Regeneration and at present is workingtowards further projects within Crime andDisorder.

Ella Bissett-Johnson joined the Urban 2 team inat the beginning of February 2004/ Ella says,“I fell into regeneration by accident and I loveit because I really enjoy working with people tomake things happen. The last year or so I havebeen working as a freelance regeneration con-sultant in the South East on other European Funded Projects. My background is art anddigital technology with a little bit of fundraisingfor Oxfam thrown in.”

Kerry Halford is the Programme AdministrationOfficer who joined in early December previous-ly working for Social Services and Health adultcare. Kerry says, “It has been a real privilege tobe part of an excellent funding stream which isin order to make young people’s lives better.Being part of the team gives me great satisfac-tion, and being able to relate to young peopleafter going through young years myself is alsorewarding.”

If you would like to get involved or you have aproject that might benefit young people inSouth Bristol please contact the team on: 0117903 9793 or visit our website for more info:www.southbristolurban2.co.uk

YOUNG PEOPLE GO URBAN

pictured: Kerry and Ella of Urban 2pictured: Michael Smith, a young person from Knowle Westwho is a member of the UPG. Michael says:"URBAN 2 is adream come true. Every young person can be a part of theUPG saga, if they have the courage and the heart to form itwith. Each of us young people has a place and title in the UPG,I being the strategic map planner and locator."

The Northern Slopes initiative is planning a‘Community Scrap Heap Challenge and BBQon Saturday 3rd April, from 11am until 4pm onthe Bommie (the slope behind St. BarnabasChurch on Daventry Road.)

The idea is to collect as much litter as possiblefrom the site and see what you can make of it!The Northern Slopes Initiative is a group oflocal people who are keen to preserve and

enhance the environmental and recreationalpotential of the areas of greenspace known asNovers Common, Glyn Vale and Wedmorevale.

Look out for more events like this.If you wouldlike to find out more information about theNorthern Slopes initiative and their plans forthe future please call Hannah Morgan on 01179531329.

SCRAPHEAP CHALLENGE

VISION is a project with funding fromNeighbourhood Renewal aiming to improve thequality of life for Black and Minority Ethnic res-idents in Knowle West by:

• Accepting, respecting and celebrating differences

• Encouraging positive images• Breaking down isolation• Speaking in a united voice • Educating ourselves

If you are a Black and Minority Ethnic residentin Knowle West we would like to hear from you:Do you have difficulties accessing any services?Are there any gaps? e.g.education and healthservices, food shopping, hair care products andclothes.If you are interested in finding out more aboutVISION or want to have your say about issuesaffecting Black and Minority Ethnic residents in Knowle West contact Hannah Morgan on 0117 9531329.

VISION FOR KNOWLE WEST

HEALTH

SOUTH BRISTOL COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

Would you like to help people quit smoking?

• Could you spare an hour or two each week to give advice to people who want to stop smoking?

• Do you meet a lot of people and feel youcould influence them?

• The Support to Stop Smoking Service is keen to hear from people in the Knowle West Community area who would be interested in training to advise smokers on how best to get help to quit

• Full training and out of pocket expenses would be provided

Please ring Clive Gray on 0117 9595464 for further details

Come and take part in a meeting about a newhospital for our area. You will be able to ask:

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How will these plans affect the Health Park Walk-in Centre?

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What designs do you like, what sort of building do you want?

l

What will it mean for local people and schools with regard to jobs and education?

…and find out the answers!

WWhheenn:: Thursday 11th March, 2004, 7pm to 8.30pm

WWhheerree :: Filwood Community Centre, Filwood Broadway, Knowle West

WWhhaatt :: A crèche is available, please phone Sally on 9002529 to book a place. There will be food provided by Neighbourhood Renewal

This event is open to anyone - for a place,please book in advance by contacting SallyBerryman on 0117 9002529

QUIT IT!GET THE BALANCERIGHT!Are you concerned about your weight?Is it affecting your health?Are you pregnant or just had a baby anddon’t want to eat for two?

Then why not join our friendly and supportivegroup to find out about healthy eating!

Get The Balance Right is about healthyeating and exercise. Each week we shall gofor a gentle walk (voluntary) and then havea chat about making changes to our foodchoices so that we can make improvementsfor a better lifestyle.

Get The Balance Right meets weekly at theHealthy Living Café at 6.45pm – 8pm

Starts: Tuesday 6th April (and will run for 18 weeks) Cost: 50p per week only!(free crèche available)

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STRESS FREE

Let’s take a closer look at one of thegroups…

WOW stands for Women of Worth. Doyou fancy doing something new, such as,jewellery making, hand massage, yoga ormosaics? Would you like to meet newfriends and have a laugh? Then come andjoin ‘Women of Worth’.

“I look forward to Wednesday nights, having a laugh, learning new skills” Maura

”I’ve really enjoyed the activities, makingnew friends, getting more confidence andbeing around caring, thoughtful people”.Lisa

WOW meets every Wednesday evening,and has a lot of fun learning new thingsthat the women themselves choose to do.Come along to the Healthy Living Centrefrom 7pm to 8:30pm. For information tel:0117 377 2256

WOW!

We live in stressful times. It’s worth rememberingthe FREE services at the Healthy Living Centre– all aim to reduce your stress levels. Over1700 local people used Services last year,and if you live in Knowle West you can usethem too. Just phone for an appointment, orgo along to the ‘drop ins’. We also have awonderful café, Monday to Friday 10am – 3pm.Come to eat or for free internet access.

At the Healthy Living Centre:AAvvoonn && BBrr iissttoo ll LLaaww CCeennttrree(Appointments: 924 8662)Monday pm

MMaass ssaaggee ,, SShh iiaattssuu,, RReeff lleexx oo llooggyy,, AArroommaatthheerraappyy,, IInndd iiaann HHeeaadd MMaassssaagg ee (Appointments: 903 0000)Sessions all week

RRee llaaxx aatt ii oonn SSeessssii oonnss (Drop –in)Friday 10:30 – noon

EEaarr AAccuuppuunn ccttuu rree (Drop In)Tuesday 10 am and 11am

CCoouu nnss ee llll iinngg for young people, men andwomen on all issues.(Appointments: 903 0000)Sessions all week

WWOOWW - Women of Worth (Drop-in)Wednesday 7pm – 8:30pm

WWee iigg hhtt MMaannaaggee mmeenn tt GGrroouupp (Drop-in)Tuesday 7pm –8pm

There are other groups around Knowle West–debt advice; dance therapy; stop smokingsupport; breastfeeding and so on. Tel: 903 0000 for full information

It’s a MAN thing! has been in existence sinceMay 2003. It came into being during discus-sions following a Health Association Boardmeeting. Three men, (or should it be MEN!)Ivor Grimsted, Keith Houghton and myself,Graham Blacker felt that, compared with allthe tests available for women and certain typesof illness, cancer for example, there were veryfew for men. Ivor and I looked at setting up aproject with the Health Association.

At our first meeting in May, six men turned up.We decided that our first focus would be testicleand prostate cancer. The best way to highlightthe issue was to contact all the Clubs in KnowleWest and ask them to put up notices in theGents’ toilets, with information about testicleand prostate cancer.

Another important project for our group is tolook at heart health – talking to men aboutthis and monitoring blood pressure. Our aim isto make men more aware of how to stayhealthy. Currently we are bidding for funds forblood pressure monitors, and for medical trainingso that group members can use this equipment.

We would like to thank the Directors of KWHealth Association for their support and helpwith this project. If you are interested in joiningcontact: Graham Blacker or Ivor Grimsted tel: 0117 963 9569

IT’S A MAN THING!

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ARTS AND MEDIA

On Friday January 30th Staff at the HealthPark and local residents met artists in residenceand had their say about the artists’ proposalsfor public art commissions. Michael Pinsky,Benedict Phillips, and Elpida Hadzi Vasileva discussed their ideas: a light beacon that pulsesto a heart beat, an installation of photographsof medicinal plants and 'Life Cycle' (pictureabove).

The event was held in the Cafe where there iscurrently an exhibition by Karen Brett called'Waiting Room Photographs'. The event wasgood fun, and there was a good turnout.People were asked to comment on the proposals,and we got some really positive feedback aswell as some very good ideas for future projects.

AA ffaaccee ffaammii ll ii aarr ttoomm aannyy bb uutt iinn aa nneewwrr ooll ee –– ffoo rrmmee rr llyytthhee AArrtt ooff WWee ll ll--bbee iinngg CCoo--oorrddiinnaa ttoorr,,AAnn nn iiee BBeeaa rrdd ss lleeyy ,,ii ss nnooww tthhee KKnnoo wwlleeWWeesstt AArrtt ss CCoo --oo rrdd iinnaa ttoo rr..

Her main purpose will be to oversee arts projectson the estate and be responsible for continuedworking towards regeneration of Knowle Westthrough the arts.

Bristol City Council with NeighbourhoodRenewal have provided funding for this part-time post for two years. There are a number ofimportant arts projects on-going on theestate. “One of my tasks will be to co-ordinateand support funding bids so they don't all endup competing with each other for funding!”says Annie.For the moment, Annie will still be based atthe Healthy Living Centre offering advice andinformation sessions on fundraising for artsprojects. For further information, or to book anadvice session, tel: 0117 3772256 email: ABeardsley@kwhlc.gifford.co.uk

KW ARTS CO-ORDINATOR

This popular club is running forfive more weeks from Saturday 6March – Saturday 3 April 2-4pmat The Café, NHS Walk-In Centre,Knowle West Health Park.

The idea for the club came fromlast year’s ‘Santa’s Workshop’ ses-sions which very popular with localchildren. Some of the parentsexpressed a wish that the sessionswere more permanent, saying thatthere was nothing else for the kidsto do on a Saturday, and thatoften they never even went outsidebecause it is felt KW is not really asafe neighbourhood for play.Parents are encouraged to comewith their children and take part inthe activities if they want to.

Have a look in the 'Photo Album'of our website: www.theartofwell-being.co.uk and see what some ofthe activities have been so far. ArtClub sessions are very popular, soplease phone to reserve a place toavoid disappointment. Tel: 377 2256

SATURDAY ART CLUB

For resident artists Neil Bromwich and ZoeWalker, Knowle West is a location that seems torest somewhere between town and country,sorrow and joy, past and present. They havefound that inner city turmoil slips seamlesslyinto rural tranquility, and back again.

An exhibition of their work - commissioned aspart of The Art of Wellbeing project at KnowleWest Health Park in conjunction with theKnowle West Media Centre is currently beingshown at the Art Gym, Hengrove CommunityArts College until 2nd April.

This exhibition draws on a particular mood unique to this place and its people.

PUBLIC ART OPEN DAY

LOVE OF THE LOFT

Shakehead - pictured right

Toby Hubble of the Knowle West Eye (photo-graphy club for young people) has won a com-petition organised through the Bristol EveningPost by FRANK - a home office initiative tokeep kids away from drugs.

The theme was "This is my high - an alternativeto drugs and alcohol". Nancy Castle of KW Eyesaid, “We talked about the theme and issues,and then went and took pics. A day out atAshton Court produced, bright sunny picturesof play, laughter, horse riding and rolling downhills. A group member also took shots at homeof friends using computer games.”

One of Toby’s pictures of kids skateboardingwas awarded first prize. He was presented with

a brand new SLR camera and will soon spend aday at work with an Evening Post photographer.Well done Toby!

NATURAL HIGH

Archimedia comes from the words ‘Architecture’and ‘Media’. The Archimedia Project is a plan todemolish the current Leinster House building(old William Budd Centre) and design andbuild a new flagship Media Centre in its place.

Working closely with the Knowle West MediaCentre and the Knowle West Development

Trust, the Archimedia Project will deliver a newbuilding over the next 18 months. Space will beprovided for the Media Centre and other relatedbusinesses.

Central to the aims of the Archimedia Project isthe inclusion of young people in every step ofthe redevelopment process. We are currentlylooking to recruit a core group of young peoplecalled the ‘Archimedia Group’ who will inform,steer and be involved in all aspects of thedesign and build process.

If you are interested in finding out more aboutthe Archimedia Project or are a young personinterested in Architecture and Media then contactthe Archimedia office at the Knowle WestMedia Centre, call 0117 377 3161 or e-mail usat archimedia@kwmc.co.uk

We’d love to hear from you.

ARCHIMEDIA PROJECT AT KWMC

DROP-IN DAYKnowle West residents are invited to a ‘Drop-inand Learn Day’ on Friday 17th March 10am-3pm. Find out how to:

• photocopy • scan a picture• design a leaflet • write an article of news • edit text• send a fax• email

For every skill learnt, you will receive a certificate!

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ACHIEVEMENT

OFSTED COMES TO HENGROVEThe schools’ inspectors, Ofsted visitedHengrove Community Arts College (HCAC) atthe end of the autumn term. There has been alot of press coverage, and some of it quite neg-ative. Here are some of the of the positives:

HH eenngg rroovvee ’’ss ssttrreenn ggtthh ss::• Good strategic leadership by new Head

Teacher.

• 49% of teaching and learning is “good” or “very good”.

• Good provision for Special Educational Needs.

• Positive attitudes to learning and good strong relationships between teachers andstudents.

• Improvements have been made to attendance and punctuality.

• Most students do well in some, if not all, of their subjects.

• Specialist Arts College status is a valuabledevelopment.

AA rreeaass ffoo rr ii mmpp rroovveemmeenn tt::• Attitude to learning and behaviour of

some students.• Management of pupil behaviour.• Literacy, numeracy, oracy and social skills.• Increased proportion of effective teaching

and learning.• Attendance and punctuality.• Improved management at all levels.• Increased breadth and standards of cur

riculum for the new joint sixth form with Brislington School.

WWhh aatt wwaass OOffsstteedd ’’ss ccoonn ccll uussii oonn??

Hengrove has been placed in special measuresso that we can continue to be supported byboth Ofsted and the LEA to make importantimprovements.

This means we will be looking to:1. Produce an action plan by March.2. Identify main issues for improvement and focus on these.3. Involve students, parents and the widercommunity in this process of improvement.4. Use the experiences of other schools tohelp us.

Ofsted also recommend that parents’ help andthe help of the community are of paramountimportance in continuing to raise attendance. If you have any queries about what Ofsted’sreport will mean for Hengrove, or if you wishto join us as a partner in our action plan toimprove learning outcomes and opportunitiesfor the students at Hengrove, please contactus on 0117 3772800 or 07967 808442.

School and Family Link Worker: Knowle Weststudents and parents at Hengrove CommunityArts College have today been interviewingshort-listed candidates for the post of School& Family Link Worker (S&FLW), funded byNeighbourhood Renewal. In the nextNewsletter the successful applicant will introducethemselves.

IImmpp rroovv iinn gg AA tttteenn ddaannccee :: The School & Family Link Worker will supportstudents and their parents/carers and families

to improve attendance and the school and the results that our students achieve.

TThh ee BB iigg BBrree aakkffaasstt CC ll uubb :: This is open to all students at the school8.00am-8.30am. A breakfast costs just 50pand gives the students a chance to meet friends,catch up on news and have a good start to theday.

EExx aamm FFeevvee rr:: Year 11 students are now in their final count-down to GCSE exams – just 14 weeks to go!With your support, lots of fun and some hardwork they can achieve success.

HENGROVE COMMUNITY ARTS COLLEGE NEWS

ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

All 262 police officers in South Bristol are nowusing the new high-tech radio system calledAirwave - and it is brilliant!

The state of the art digital technology providesclarity of calls and can be used as a policecommunication device and a phone. But thebiggest benefit is that it is totally safe andsecure. Being a fully encrypted system, no-onewill ever be able to break the code. Unless,they have access to a space satellite and thebiggest computer in the world. (So they tell me!)As a result all your calls to the police and allour information passed over the "airwaves" iscompletely safe and confidential.

Local criminals have complained since January,“My scanner is kn******d, I've had to throw itaway".

One offender even went down to a well-knowncatalogue shop in Bedminster to buy a newone - just to find that it too wouldn't work. Sothe new system does work and is 100% safe.What if a radio is lost or nicked? Simple. At thetouch of a button we can either:

• stun the Airwave set so that it cannot be used until found by the police officer

• kill the Airwave set so that it can never be used again.

I have even heard rumours that local criminalshave offered to pay a bountyof £3000 to get hold of a set. If they ever gettheir hands on one, theywill be disappointed and will have lost theirmoney, as the radio will havealready been killed.

So what now? The police communication net-work is completely safe - so you must trust itand make those calls about local crime issuesand offenders. The criminals will never know, orbe able to find out, so be brave and make that call.

RR iinngg CCrr iimmeessttooppppeerr ss oonn 00880000 55 5555 111111 ..Thanks to those of you since September'sCrimestoppers initiative who have called. Wehave managed to quadruple the amount ofcalls and criminal intelligence on KnowleWest as a result. You may also be entitled to afinancial reward! IInn ssppee ccttoorr MMaa tttt AA yyrreess

AIRWAVE SECURE POLICING

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Ted Bowden, Chair of the Inns Court ResidentsAssociation describes some of the issues raisedat their meeting on 3 December, where thefocus was on antisocial behaviour.

“The meeting was quite well attended with amixture of tenants and home owners. We werepleased and very pleasantly surprised with themeeting… surprised at the limitations of thePolice and Council Officers, but when thingswere weighed up between the two a lot couldbe achieved.

“Inspector Matt Ayres wanted to promoteCrimestoppers. In response, someone questionedthe attitude of the Switchboard personnelinsisting on having names and addresses before

they will listen to any problem or complaint.This seems to contradict the claim that if youphone Crimestoppers, you do not have to leaveyour name and address!

“We were then spoken to by a lady fromEducation Welfare who opened our eyes tofacts previously unknown about truancy, exclusion,and students on part time education.

“Glyn Bidwell, who arranged the Forum gave anexcellent presentation and needs and deservesall the support of the estate and has the backingof the Inns Court Residents Association.“Because of changes in the law and new legisla-tion we will be having an update meeting some-time in the new year, date to be announced.”

LOCAL FOCAL VOCAL

NEW FACESFFrroomm ll eefftt ttoo rr iigg hhtt ::AnneMarie Baber - IRISSue Woodford - IRISJade Cooper - IRISMiles Ford - ArchimediaDenise Buchan - NRFacilitator

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All articles express the views of individual contributors and do not necessarily representthe opinions of the Neighbourhood RenewalSteering Group.

THANKS TO....................The Neighbourhood Renewal Participation Group: Anita Pearce, Sister Joanna, Margaret Jordan, Denise Britt,Joyce Jenkins, Ann Smith Tracey Poole, Heather Barham,and Hannah Morgan NR…NR Manager Keith Houghton.Jo Hansford and Sandra Manson for photosAll at KWMC, who facilitate the production of this newsletterEditor: Barbara Benson projects@kwmc.co.ukDesign: Rowena Dugdale mail@rowenadugdale.com

The Bristol Objective 2 programme is part financed by European Community (ERDF)

Mr Gill at Newquay Street stores wants tosay a big thankyou to the Streetwardensfor all their help and hard work.

THANK YOU.........

Residents may haveseen John & Annearound the estate, collecting informationwith questionnaires.Feedback seems verypositive with the

majority of the community in favour of havinga Community Market in Knowle. Early signs are favouring Filwood Broadwayand The Park as the two most popular placesto locate the market.John and Anne said, “Thanks to everyone that took the time to stop and complete a questionnaire.”

MARKET UPDATE