Loads of news, links and events from Easton and Bristol
Black history month is here

Join the celebration and remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African Diaspora. People who have and continue to make a difference, not purely because of the colour of their skin, but their actions. The month of October is packed with events promoting knowledge of black history and experience, information on Black contributions to British society and heightening confidence and awareness of Black people and their cultural heritage. See the full events listing at http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/Leisure-Culture/A...ws.en

Local Democracy Week

11 to 17 October

Participating in Local Democracy is a way of influencing decisions that are made that affect you, your neighbours and your community. As well as voting, there are many ways you can participate in local democracy throughout the year. During Local Democracy Week visit your library or www.bristol.gov.uk/localdemocracy to find out more about how you can get involved in your neighbourhood partnership to influence decisions in your local area, have your say on citywide decisions, petition the council for changes you want to see and watch council meetings on the internet to see your council representatives at work. Stay up to date with future opportunities to have your say by subscribing to Bristol City Council's Ask Bristol email bulletin at www.bristol.gov.uk/askbulletin

Your say with Pip n Jay

12 October, The Dings (call for venue)

Find out more about Christianity in a friendly and relaxed place, with food to follow. Learn more about a 7 week course starting soon in the Dings. Contact Helen Leckie on 07957 544530 or helenleckie@yahoo.co.uk

Housing Solutions board meeting

13 October, TMO, Ground Floor, Barton House

Who runs Bristol? How are decisions made?

14 October, 2pm to 5pm, venue to be confirmed

An opportunity to find out more about Bristol City Council, what it is responsible for, who does what, and find out about the different ways that you can get involved. Included in the ‘Take Part’ series of training. Visit www.voscur.org/haveyoursay/takepart or call 9099949.

Talk about local

15 October, Barton Hill Settlement, Ducie Road

Got something to say? Want to set up a website? Free training session on setting up a website for your group. Contact Jorge on 9556971 or drop into the computer room.

A Fair Society for Families?

16 October, 11am to 3.30pm, SPAN, Baptist Street BS5 0YW

Share grassroots thinking on the future impact of cuts, new policies and Big Society initiatives on family life, vulnerable employment, benefits, childcare, training and education and housing and communities at the annual event of Single Parent Action Network. Roundtable discussions follow key note speakers, including Fawcett Society and Women’s National Commission. Contact SPAN on 9514231 or isobel@spanuk.org.uk

Training and work placements in Europe

16 October, 11am to 1pm, Black Development Agency, Russell Town Avenue

Get two weeks of language training and 10 weeks work placement in Italy, France or Spain and receive accommodation and living allowance while you learn. Flights and insurance are also paid for. For British and European nationals only. This information session will tell you what is available and how to apply. Contact Charlene on 939 6645 or Charlene@blackdeva.org.uk

Tea dance at Trinity

19 October, 2pm to 5pm, Trinity Centre, Trinity Road

Authentic and elegant, this quarterly tea dance brings back the glamour of ballroom dancing with live music, homespun chandeliers, homemade cakes and chats over tea in traditional china cups. A chance to meet new and old friends alike. Entry £3 on the door. For 18s and over. Transport for older residents £1. Contact Jacqui at Link Age on 3041725.

Halloween Party

29 October, 7pm to 11pm, Barton Hill Settlement, Ducie Road

Fancy dress, raffle, disco and nibbles and bar. Entrance by ticket only. Purchase tickets on Tuesdays 19 and 26 October at the Settlement in the front room from 9.45am to 11.45am. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Phone 9556971 for further information.

Free Vegan Food Fair
30 October, 12pm to 5pm, Broadmead Baptist Church, Union Street
Celebrating World Vegan Day. Find out how veganism can help animals, people, your health and the environment.
Free food, cookery demonstrations, films for all ages, free nutrition surgery, face painting, henna painting, ethical merchandise. Contact freeveganfoodfair@gmail.com for more information.

Illuminate at St George's Park

30 October, 5.30pm to 9.30pm. Lantern Parade starts at 6pm

Halloween meets the Mexican Day of the Dead meets Diwali - the Hindu Festival of Lights. Phoenix52 invites you to an exciting evening of art installations, interventions and performance - go in fancy dress costume and take lanterns & carved pumpkins to take part in this family friendly event. Free Mask, Lantern & Shrine Making Workshops for adults and children St Ambrose Church, Stretford Road, BS5 7AW and Gingerbread & Woodman's Skills Workshops in St George's Park from 1pm. Visit www.phoenix52.co.uk for details.

Warming Bristol Communities

Last Tuesday of the month, 10am to 12pm, Somali Resource Centre, Barton Hill Settlement

Free advice surgeries who needs help dealing with fuel debt, switching fuel suppliers, setting their heating systems, accessing grants, becoming more energy efficient and more.

Easton Community Choir

Ever wanted to sing in a choir? Easton Community Choir is a vibrant and friendly choir, singing a whole range of songs such as folk, pop and world music in easy four part harmonies. Beginners welcome. Contact Sheila on 0117 9658485 or sheilatang68@hotmail.com

New circuit training class and netball team
Circuits: Mondays, 7pm to 8pm, Netham Pavilion, £5. Netball: Thursdays, 8pm, Netham Pavilion
Contact Kate on 07540707415 or britton.inc@hotmail.com

Girls football training

Wednesdays, 4.30pm to 5.30pm, City Academy Astroturf

Would your daughters or those of your friends and families like to play girls football? It’s fun and exciting and gets them off the streets and away from the TV! City Academy Tornadoes are looking for more under 12 players, especially a goalkeeper. Contact Julie Murray on 07787454432, or Julia Williams on 07795 446129 or williamsj@cityacademy.bristol.sch.uk

Easton Cowgirls

Mondays, 7.15pm to 8.30pm, City Academy, Russell Town Avenue

Football training for all women over 18 – no matter what your footballing experience. First session free, £3 after or £2 unwaged. Contact Zoe on 07980 309433 or visit www.eastoncowgirls.org.uk

Gentle ballroom and salsa dance classes
Fortnightly on Mondays, 10am to 12pm, Easton Community Centre, £3
Refresher sessions for mature adults, starting 20 September, just turn up. Bus available for 50p each way. Call Jacqui on 304 1725.

Champions House meetings

Sundays, 12pm to 2pm, City Academy, Russell Town Avenue

Are you discouraged or disheartened? Are you in distress or in debt? Are you disenfranchised or bewildered? Do you feel that you are unlucky? If you have answered yes to any one of the questions above you can learn how to become a champion and be victorious over these challenges using dynamic biblical principles. Contact Champions House on 07951 937596 or visit www.championshouse.com

Coming soon...

Happiness Roadshow

The first leg of the Happiness Roadshow, part of the Happy City Initiative, starts off in Easton in November. Anyone with a passion for Easton, contacts there or energy to get involved in the area is welcome to join them in planning and delivering a week long series of events, workshops, communication campaigns and all round Happiness spreading activities. For more information contact 230 0128 or visit www.happycity.org.uk

'Recreate and Radiate': Garment and accessory recycling course.

Starts 11 November, 6pm to 8pm, Easton Community Centre

Learn to create excellent and individual clothes and accessories, starting with a basic sewing knowledge.

Six two hour weekly sessions. £60 inclusive materials cost. Contact Jenny Long on 01934 520553 or peter.long.912@btinternet.com

Free theatre workshops
14, 21, 27 and 28 November, 1pm to 6pm, Easton Community Centre

Exciting opportunity to get involved in free theatre workshops and put on a show featuring tales of adventure, loss, travel, being in a different place, or in the wrong shoes! The show will be a mix of theatre, comedy, music, story-telling, poetry, visual art and whatever else participants come up with. You don’t need any experience to join in. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. To book a place contact hSquared on 07990 992196 or hSquared@gmx.co.uk

Improving communication across cultures

17 November, 9.30am to 4.30pm, Black Development Agency, Russell Town Avenue

Develop an understanding of culture and its influence on communication. Lunch included. BDA members £30, non-members £60. Contact Charlene on 9396645 or charlene@blackdeva.org.uk

Bristol Celebrates - 21 November, City Academy
Festival linking faiths, cultures and communities www.bristolcelebrates.org.uk or contact sally.reay@bifg.org.uk

Barton Hill community walkabout

9 December, 2pm to 4pm, meet outside the shops on the corner of Beam Street at 1.45pm

Do you live in Barton Hill? Housing associations, police and Council officers will be walking around your area to identify issues, concerns and hotspots that require action. During the walkabout they will record everything raised and look to agencies to respond. Contact terry.black@sovereign.org.uk

VAT set to rise to 20% 4 January

HMRC has produced guidance on the change to the rate of VAT which will come into force from 4 January 2011. To read this guidance visit http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/forms-rates/rates/rate-incre...e.htm

News

Congratulations to The Dings!

The Dings has been announced as the South West Regional Winner of AXA’s Community Challenge competition! The Dings Community Association, with huge effort from the whole community and funding from Community at Heart, turned a corner of the Dings into a play area for local children with a community mural running along its length. The Dings will now be going forward for the overall national title of Britain’s Best Community! We wish this award-winning group the best of luck for the next stage of the competition.

Photo competition celebrating Easton

Can you help celebrate the environment in Easton by contributing your photos to the Easton 2011 calendar? Send your photos of Easton (including St Judes and Newtown) to Hilary at Easton Community Centre on llmhilary@ecfc.org.uk with the following information: your name, address, phone number, age, where your photos were taken and in which season. Confirm that you took the photo yourself and you have the permission of anyone appearing in the photo to display and publish it. You can enter up to 12 photos, as long as each represents a different month or season. Funds raised from the sale of the calendar will be used to improve the centre’s environment. Deadline 29 October.

Junction 3- what should it offer to residents?

Work has started on the new library and creative learning centre at Junction 3 on the St Paul’s roundabout. A residents group meets at SPAN Study Centre on Friday mornings from 10am to 12pm in the comfy room to talk about issues, concerns and to create a vision for this major community resource. Supported by experienced facilitator and community activist, Lilleith Morrison. For information contact SPAN Study Centre on 9522712 or email studycentre@spanuk.org.uk

New dance academy in Barton Hill

The first dedicated and permanent middle-eastern dance academy in the UK is opening in Barton Hill! Classes at The Old Schoolhouse are suitable for everyone, regardless of age, shape, size, fitness level and even injuries can be worked around. It is a great way to get/keep fit, meet new friends, catch up with old friends, discover your body and most of all, have fun! Call Shema on 07805 354312 or visit www.tangerina.org

Burglaries up in Barton Hill

There has been a recent rise in domestic burglaries in Barton Hill. The Barton Hill Neighbourhood Police Team is urging residents to be vigilant about their home security. Make sure you secure your property, even if you’re only popping to the shops for a minute. Keep all valuables out of sight of passers by. Don’t leave ladders or tools outside your house that could be used to get into your home. Fit extra security devices such as window locks, deadlocks and alarms. The Neighbourhood Police Team can also come to your home for a free security check. Report crime and suspicious behaviour, or book your free security check by calling Avon and Somerset Constabulary on 0845 456 7000 or CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111. Ring 999 for emergencies only.

Best on the Beat

Has someone in your local police team gone the extra mile for you? Enter your local officer to the Community Policing Awards and get them recognised for their efforts in what can often be a thankless task. You can vote for PCSO of the Year, Special Constable of the Year, Outstanding Customer Service Award and Neighbourhood Beat Manager of the Year. Visit www.communitypolicingawards.org.uk or call 01275 816386 for a form.

Need some work doing?

Mill Youth Centre in Easton is looking for large projects such as painting and gardening for groups of 15 to 16 year olds to get involved with to gain valuable work experience and skills. Have you got a project that needs some manpower? Contact Ben Barker at the Mill Youth Centre on 9510188.

New to Barton Hill?

6 Housing Champions in Barton Hill are on hand to give new residents a tour around Barton Hill showing them where they can access local services, facilities and places of interest. The volunteers have completed an intensive training course and are supported by Housing Solutions Landlords Forum and Barton Hill Settlement. Contact Maggie on 9556971 or maggier@bartonhillsettlement.org.uk

Offices to let East Central Bristol

Ideal for professionals, competitive rates, available now, busy hub in East Central Bristol, easy access to the city centre, bus route nearby, on a busy shopping street, car parking and bike racks for visitors, secure bike racks for tenants, outdoor courtyard, shared with Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management and Bi‐Lingual Family Mentoring Project, access to shared kitchen and toilets. First and second floor office space, sizes from 200 sq/ft to 400 sq/ft, reasonable rates, service charge applies. For a viewing contact Tracy on 9039975 or officemanager@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk

New! Parent information and signposting service

Run by parents for parents, the service offers information about local and national services and organisations that can support single parents, new migrant parents and refugee parents. Volunteers can speak Arabic, English and Somali. Drop in to SPAN Study Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am to 12pm, Refugee Women of Bristol on Tuesdays 10am to 3pm and Easton Family Project on Tuesdays (Arabic speaking only) and Fridays 10am to 12pm. Appointments at SPAN Study Centre also available. Contact Lynn on 9522712 for appointments and for more information.

SOFA Office

New social enterprise initiative, SOFA Office, based in St Philips, offering quality re-used office and educational furniture at low prices to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations, small businesses and individuals. Contact Philip Parry on 9720889 or philipparry@sofaproject.org.uk

Furniture support for homeless families

SPACE Trust works to help families who have been homeless or threatened by homelessness by providing quality used furniture as they move into newly allocated accommodation. Furniture is collected for free from residents and businesses in and around Bristol. Families are invited to come and select free furniture on an appointment basis from the warehouse in Mivart Street. Contact 9555755 or visit www.spacetrust.org.uk

Having problems with debt

Bristol Debt Advice Centre can offer financial capability workshops and one-to-one sessions for anyone experiencing problems with debt, creditors, paying bills, making money last the week or month and finding charitable assistance. Sessions can be at BDAC or external venues. Contact 9543990 for an appointment or for more information.

Assisted gardening scheme for older people
Are you struggling to maintain your garden? LinkAge and CSV will help older people in Easton and Lawrence Hill with garden maintenance for a small charge. They can also help you grow your own vegetables. For more information contact Kathe.jacob@guinness.org.uk or call 3041726.

Hip Hop CD by young Bristol homeless

Young people supported by Independent People have released a CD called “Merger – A Place Called Home”, produced by various Bristol based rappers and musicians at Orange Street Studios. The CD is a compilation of Hip Hop tracks, with hints of world music. The lyrics are strong and tackle issues such as drugs, loneliness and housing. They are informative and a true reflection of some of the issues faced by young homeless people striving for independence in Bristol today. The CD costs £6 and is available from Independent People offices in Old Market and will shortly be available for download through www.1625ip.co.uk

Mini-bus wanted

Can anyone offer use of a mini-bus for free for the popular quarterly Link Age tea dance for our older residents on 19 October? Link Age can provide a paid driver and petrol. If you can help call Kathe Jacob on 3041726.