OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

Thanks so all of our monthly newsletter subscribers and a big hello from us at Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust. As we near the end of the summer we are excited for a new season and lots of fun events and more in the community.

We have a few new regular groups to take a peek at such as fortnightly Polish Scout Groups, a new Stay & Play from NBCC and more!

Also, the 'Festival of Solutions' from our Community Climate Action team which is 6 weeks of events ranging from clothes swaps to gigs. Be sure to check out what they are up to and what events are next on their Facebook page.

There are loads of great events to get involved with, each with a different theme and activity.

We are over the moon to also welcome three new members of staff, Nathanael, Sean and Jonathan who have been with us for around 6 weeks. To check out who they are and what they do please visit our 'Meet The Team' page on our website. Pop by to say Hi!

October is also Black History Month - we have included two films in our October line-up to reflect this and have also added two really interesting events in our 'What is happening beyond Lockleaze...' section of the newsletter. Be sure to check them out!

If you wish to find out more please get in touch with us using the icons below.

FLIP FLOPS AND ZOMBIE SQUATS! - MARIA’S FITNESS BLOG

I saw local coach, trainer and resident Gary Rowley for Lockleaze Sports Centre was running free bootcamps around Lockleaze - not usually my thing but I thought I would give it a try. So I decided to take the plunge and attend one of the Lockleaze free outdoor fitness sessions run by local resident Gary Rowley, on behalf of Lockleaze Sports Centre.

It's been a long [long] time since I've participated in any organised sports, I don't even own trainers or gym clothes, but as my fitness is my responsibility I thought I'd give it a go. I have a damaged knee and arthritis, so I know I need to keep moving and be more active.

I have physio, but some days I find it hard to motivate myself and stick to a regular routine - it's too easy to turn on Netflix after work. I turned up at Stoke Park (one of the locations) in flip flops, vest top and leggings not knowing what to expect after being on my feet all day and the temperature still at 28 degrees!

I had fun!  I laughed. I ran. I did Zombie squats! I met residents I hadn't met before and their children and even one of their dogs.  They encouraged me. I encouraged them. We cheered for each other.

Gary adapted some of the moves so I could participate in everything, he gave advice and encouragement and made everything easy to understand.  We warmed up and we cooled down, all to a great playlist, with regular water breaks in between. My FitBit buzzed happily!

I left feeling happy and rather pleased with myself and I definitely felt more energetic than when I’d arrived. Will I be back next week? Yes, In fact I'm looking forward to it! The sessions are running every Monday and Wednesday throughout September.

                                         - MARIA, COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR

"I COULDN'T BE A**** TO DO EXERCISE, BUT THE GROUP SESSIONS ARE FUN" - GAILS FITNESS BLOG

I know I need to exercise for health reasons, but I don't know what to do. I know I can feel better if I exercise, as I used to (years ago..!). I'm not at all good at getting myself going. So with all of that behind me, when I saw the Free Group Fitness Sessions with local trainer Gary Rowley, I thought maybe it was time. Plus, it's FREE! 

I was quite nervous when I started, as I expected to be the most unfit, but it's for all ages/abilities. It's also short exercises, with a quick break, so it doesn't matter where you start with fitness. We're sometimes working in pairs so I'm meeting some lovely new people and having some very silly, but active fun. It's great to be outdoors - it feels much more playful than being indoors. Oh - and no-one is worried about ability or clothing - that’s the least of anyone’s worries! We're all too focused and busy getting our sweat on.

I can't do some of the exercises at all - but that's ok - I'm learning. It's a journey and exercising in a group is much more enjoyable for me as it's social. 

I still arrive quite tired after the working day and thinking I can't do it - but as it's only 45 mins, including starting the warm up and ending in stretches, it goes surprisingly fast.......and the feeling afterwards is fantastic! I have better breathing, an improved mood, and much more energy. So it's great for me AND those who live or work with me.

Looking forward to the next session!  
 

- GAIL, FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR

It would be a great help in making sure the plan is realistic and achievable, if you would take a few minutes to complete this questionnaire.

MAKING PIZZAS - A COOKING LESSON WITH RICHARD

A fun afternoon was had by all ages at the pizza cooking session last Sunday at The Vench. Everyone was excited to experiment, trying a variety of many different pizza toppings. We all tried jackfruit, a vegan alternative to pulled pork or chicken. Jackfruit is a healthy source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fibre, and contains many other essential vitamins and minerals, although it is not a significant source of protein.

The participants were pleasantly surprised by how tasty the marinated jackfruit was. They all took some home to experiment with, be it in a chilli or a curry. As a pizza topping, we also tried vegan cheese, which was new for some. We added vegetables and herbs directly from The Vench garden, the homegrown produce tastes delicious! 

As a group, we chatted about the advantages of bulk buying and cooking/meal planning and how it can save money and reduce packaging waste. We also chatted about how the meat and dairy industry have a huge impact on the climate and a high carbon footprint. Reducing our meat and dairy intake is a great way to address our environmental impact.

This cooking class was a great opportunity for residents to try food with a lower carbon footprint for free, and a great opportunity to meet fellow residents and share ideas.

Big thanks to local resident Richard for sharing his lockdown obsession with cooking pizza!

Link to Pizza recipe used - https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/category/dishtype/pizza/
 

- KAREN, COMMUNITY CLIMATE ACTION PROJECT LEAD

LOCKLEAZE GREEN INFLUENCER MEETINGS

Big shout out to all young Eco-warriors please join the Lockleaze Green Influencers and make positive change for our environment in Lockleaze and the world !

THE NEXT MEETINGS ARE -

•  Friday 1st October – Meeting at The Hub (Gainsborough Square) 16.30 - 18.00. 

  In this session we will walk around Lockleaze putting up posters to advertise the litter pick – we will be outside, so bring warm clothes!

•  Friday 8th October – Meeting at The Hub (Gainsborough Square) at 16.15 - 18.00.

  In this session we will be designing and making our own Green Influencer T-shirts that the young people can wear on the day of the litter pick! (and keep afterwards!)

•  Friday 15th October - Meeting at The Hub (Gainsborough Square) at 16.15 - 18.00. 

  In this session we will continue to make T-shirts – everyone is welcome!

• Saturday 23rd October- Meeting at The Hub (Gainsborough Square) at 12.00 - 14.00. 

  This is the actual day of the litter pick! We want as many young people as possible to turn up and join in with the litter picking!

 See below for some of the amazing posters for the up and coming litter pick that the Green Influencers group have made already!

 

FESTIVAL OF SOLUTIONS - OPENING WEEKEND  11/9/21

It was a wonderful start to the Festival of Solutions last Saturday. There was a great turn out for Lockleaze Community Litter Pick and it was brilliant to see so many members from the Lockleaze Green Influences group taking part.  This was followed by an engaging and exciting workshop by artist Scott Farlow, about ways of creatively looking at fly tipping solutions in the area. Big thanks to all that helped out!

Next was the Old Library 5th Birthday Party, which had a great atmosphere and felt like a festival. It was great to see so many people out having fun in the sun and socialising with friends and family. Myself and Alice had many thought-provoking and engaging conversations about climate change, discussing what improvements as a community we can do for our environment.

There seemed to be a lot of parents that were frustrated with public transport in the area and how there is a real need to make it more accessible, affordable, sustainable, and networked. Kat talked about "The trip to the weekly swimming class that is often done on bikes, but on rainy days trying to use the local bus ends up being expensive and far too much hassle with buses not turning up or running late. With family passes costing £8, this makes it far too expensive to do weekly, when it is a short trip that would definitely not cost £8 in petrol". I also have the same dilemma with my two children. I am sure we would make it there on our bikes but after a session of swimming I'm not sure my son Charlie, aged 8, would manage it. 

In the past we have gambled on the bus. You have to leave the house far too early, so if the first bus does not turn up then you have to hope the second does! There have been too many times we have been let down by the unreliable bus service in Lockleaze. I now reluctantly take the car every week. Hopefully as Charlie gets older we can use the bikes for this trip, like some other short trips we do locally.

We were encouraging people to come to our "Talk Transport day'', where we will be looking at these issues in depth and putting our demands and solutions into our community plan to provide a real alternative to driving, with safer bike/scooter lanes, and accessible, affordable, well networked and sustainable public transport. 
Because of the amazing conversations and inputs from residents that would like to take part in the 'Festival of Solutions', we will be adding things to our line-up. Steve Heigham - XR (Extinction Rebellion) Rebel Elders Bristol, has agreed to play at our 'NO Music on a Dead Planet !' gig on the 17th of October, 2pm - 5pm at The Old Library, Muller Road.
Kat Corbett expressed her interest in joining in the festival with her The Tales of Care and Repair project she is working on at UWE.

We welcome your suggestions and feedback on the festival and we look forward to seeing you and hearing your ideas and solutions.

                 - KAREN, COMMUNITY CLIMATE ACTION PROJECT LEAD. 

2021 STOKE PARK GHOST WALKS

- WEDNESDAY 27TH OF OCTOBER (6.30pm)
- FRIDAY 29TH OF OCTOBER (6.30pm)
- SUNDAY 31ST OF OCTOBER (HALLOWEEN) (6.30pm)

Join local historian Steve England on a history tour with a spooky twist, learn the unexplained goings on & hear tales from the institution

ABOUT THIS EVENT

A chance to join local historian Steve England as he guides us around the history of Stoke Park - come and find out about the history of the park and some of the unexplained goings on that have happened over the years. Wander through the woods after dark and around the park's spooky spots. Where are ghosts reported to have been seen? Hear tales from the institution, and learn the legend of the lady on the horse.

This event is limited to 15 years and over, guests must be fit enough to walk the woods and slopes at night, please wear very sturdy footwear, appropriate clothing and bring a torch.

Please note: This event does not go inside the Dower House which is privately owned.

TICKET PRICE + BOOKING FEE

Ticket prices shown INCLUDE EVENTBRITE BOOKING FEE (£0.49 + 6.5% per ticket).

CANCELLATION/POSTPONING DUE TO POOR WEATHER

SE Outdoor Learning events take place outdoors, and therefore unfortunately we may need to be postponed or cancelled in the days leading up to the event if it seems that the weather will be too poor for it to be run safely. We will always aim to confirm cancellation of the event 24 - 48 hours in advance (though on very rare occassions, sudden weather changes may mean its closer than this). Please keep an eye on your emails and Facebook for information regarding this. If you cannot make the postponed date, please request a refund and we will be able to issue this for you asap.

COVID UPDATE - PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING

As with other organisations and businesses, SEOL is taking a number of precautions to help keep you and us safe ,and are doing what we can to ensure we can now once again begin running walks and tours in a safe, comfortable and enjoyable way. We follow Covid-safe procedures and as you to follow the current government guidelines. Please see www.steveengland.co.uk for further information.

Do not attend the event if you feel unwell, remain courteous of others and please follow high levels of hygiene before, during and after the event.

Where? At NBAC on Gainsborough Square, Lockleaze, BS7 9XA

For more information check out the poster above!

EBENEZER CHURCH HAS SOME FUN NEW ACTIVITIES STARTING!

• Taste Cafe - our weekly community cafe on Thursday mornings

• Footprints - our senior citizens group on Wednesday afternoons.

See the posters above for more information.

North Bristol’s Advice Centre’s Get Online Drop-In

GET ONLINE DROP-IN TO BE RELAUNCHED AT NEW VENUE

North Bristol’s Advice Centre’s Get Online drop-in will restart from early October 2021 --in a new and bigger venue. The popular sessions, which support people to develop their digital skills and confidence, will be held in the shop-front space at 6 Gainsborough Square, Lockleaze. Our friendly, fully-trained volunteers will be on hand to help with everything from the basics --such as setting up an email address-- to filling in online forms, claiming Universal Credit, searching for jobs or finding best deals. You can bring your own laptop, phone or tablet, or use one of ours. No appointment is needed. Desks will be well-spaced and if we reach capacity, we may have to ask attendees to limit their stay to 1 hour maximum. The drop-in will run Tuesdays 10.00am - 12.30pm and Wednesday 1.30 pm - 4pm at 6 Gainsborough Square. http://www.northbristoladvice.org.uk/our-services/getonline

Future Me to close
It is with great regret that we announce that North Bristol Advice Centre’s Future Me project, which offered one-to-one support to women in north Bristol to help improve their career prospects, will close at the end of September.
Future Me was launched in August 2020 and was open to women who were not in full time work, particularly those with small children, and those affected by Covid-19. It offered a year-long programme of one-to-one support to help women access skills and training to improve employment prospects, raising aspirations and helping them avoid a low wage poverty gap.
We had a huge response from women, grateful for support designed around their particular needs, barriers and challenges, and supported 60 clients over one year.
Despite achieving excellent outcomes, we were unable to secure continuation funding from Bristol City Council to further develop this service. Future Me will be wound down by the end of September 2021.

Welfare benefits and debt advice
We continue to provide free and independent welfare benefits and debt advice in North Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
We offer advice by telephone, online and at face-to-face appointments in Lockleaze, Patchway, Shirehampton and Kingswood.
Contact 0117 951 5751 or visit www.northbristoladvice.org.uk

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: TRACE YOUR ANCESTRY MASTERCLASS WITH PAUL CROOKS

WEDNESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2021 FROM 13:00 TO 14:00 (BST)

Black History Month: Black History masterclass in family history

Learn how to trace your family history with genealogy specialist Paul Crooks.

Join us for this online event with genealogy specialist Paul Crooks, where he'll be discussing Britain’s slave compensation records and what they reveal about his Ancestry and Black history.

Find out more about this event here on our Eventbrite page

We hope you can make it.

Best,

Bristol Libraries

DISCOVER HIDDEN BLACK HISTORY

#ThisIsFutureLearning

Discover Hidden Black British History

Examine Black stories and teach the future of Black history education

Black History Month 2021 comes at a time when Britain is questioning the representation of Black voices in its history, whilst examining how its education system – and curriculum – can be made more equitable and inclusive of historical figures and events. 

To celebrate the month, we’ve brought together a selection of our most popular courses, which examine Black British history, covering everything from the hidden stories of Black Tudors, to the Bristol bus boycotts and much more. 

Explore these fascinating courses, learn with your peers and engage with leading voices such as the Open University, The Black Curriculum and Samsung, on how educators can successfully represent the richness of Black history.

Take a look at the courses below, and rethink what you knew, and what you teach, about Black history.

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/collections/black-history-month-2021?utm_campaign=fl_marketing&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Iterable&utm_term=211008_GNL__UK_