Recent updates

BBC 6 Music Festival

An update for 'Sound of a City' - a documentary about live music in Bristol

Jan 20 2016

Hi all, 

If you're a 6 Music listener you may have heard they are holding their BBC Radio 6 Music festival in Bristol in February. 

After many talks with the council and the BBC and the Watershed they have asked us to screen the film as part of the Fringe. So, happily, we have the perfect exhibition opportunity for our music documentary. The subject fits in perfectly with the aim of the festival, which is to celebrate the rich musical heritage to have come out of the city. Got a bit lucky there!

We have also changed the name of the film to Re:sound.

Take a look at Re:sound and everything else happening at the Watershed that weekend here: http://www.watershed.co.uk/whatson/season/362/the-fringe-at-watershed/

We are also very happy to say that the Pop Group's Mark Stewart will give a short introduction to the film. He's one of the most influential figures to have come out of Bristol in terms of music and he's quite a character so it should be interesting. 

Now its just a case of finishing it... 

SOAC xx

Three Year Reflections

An update for Help support George Ferguson's re-election as Mayor of Bristol in 2016

Jan 12 2016

I was elected just three years ago, when Bristol decided to turn its back on a party political leadership, largely because it had failed to deliver. Any fair person would agree that there has been transformation at the top and a lot has been achieved since then.

One of the first things I did was take full advantage of my independent status and, after initial reluctance by Labour to take part, created an inclusive four party cabinet, in place of one limited in scope and talent to a single political party.

This rainbow coalition makes best use of all talents, puts Bristol before party, and demonstrates we can do local government differently and more effectively. This has been a success but, like all change, it takes time to be absorbed, and has been resisted by those stuck in the politics of old.

As we approach the second term mayoral election combined with an all out Council election in May we are bound to see more party politics playing out – understandably so – but after that we shall, as a result of the mayoral system, see an end to annual elections and some real stability for four years.

My decision to stand for Mayor of Bristol was because I was frustrated at Bristol's slow progress and its recognition in the world and felt we had been held back by the old system.

My vision for Bristol was always one based on an 8 year term – taking us to 2020 – which is why I did not take this job on lightly. That vision comes from fifty years of my personal and professional experience making things happen in my home city. It comes from something that is quintessentially Bristolian, entrepreneurship. Throughout my working life, entrepreneurship, both business and social, has been at the forefront of what I have achieved.

Since my election I have worked tirelessly to reinvent the way that the council works, making it more efficient, accountable,and democratic – not that you would believe that from some of the things my political opponents would have you think!

For example, I have introduced the quarterly Mayor's public question times where anyone has an opportunity to openly quiz me, supplemented by Radio Bristol and internet Q&A's. We have also evolved the consultation process around the introduction of policies to make sure that everyone has a voice on crucial decisions.

A proud achievement in my new role was to help secure European Green Capital, to which I had been contributing with many others from outside the Council and which was undoubtedly strengthened by our new mayoral system and a mayor with a passion for the environment.

There is no limit to my ambition to make Bristol the healthiest, fairest and most environmentally friendly city in Europe. Locally, nationally and internationally I have been banging the drum for Bristol's business, heritage, culture and diversity.

For example, we have given leadership in the debate regarding the refugee crisis to promote something that is entrenched in our city's DNA. We are a City of Sanctuary and we will always seek to support the most vulnerable in society.

Our international profile has grown significantly as we are attracting global investment for Bristol and the city region. I am proud that Bristol leads the way on so many important issues and as the Minister of Cities, Greg Clark, now Secretary of State for Local Government, said: the UK Government "sits up and takes notice when Bristol speaks.

I have been delighted that employment rates in Bristol are continuing to rise and the number of young people claiming JSA has gone down by a third. However, a huge challenge remains, and while we must embrace the economic success in this city we must also make sure that everyone gets a fair share of this success.

Early on I set up a Fairness Commission and have ensured Bristol City Council leads by example with the introduction of the national living wage. I am engaging with Bristol's thriving business community to help advance social mobility across the city.

However I am sometimes frustrated by process and the rocks that are thrown in the way! I also understand and share the concerns of everyone who is feeling the impact of the massive financial cuts that are being applied across the board from Whitehall.

Bristol is faring better than most other cities but I know that this is not enough for those whose daily lives are severely impacted by these changes to benefits and legislation. Instead of being a constant voice of protest against these cuts I have decided to do something about it.

I have protected the council tax reduction scheme, for those least able to afford it, for three years, although few councils find that they can maintain this, and have defended those most effected by the bedroom tax. I have also worked with our independent public transport providers to ensure fairer fares and increase the number using our buses as well as cycling and walking, all contributing to a healthier city.

This is why I have asked David Cameron and George Osborne to devolve transport, housing and skills to Bristol city region. In order to be a fairer city we need these key decisions to be made locally.

I said I would deliver an arena and am doing so. It has advanced from being a dithering twenty-year-old conversation into being a reality.

In 2018 we will not just open our doors to this long awaited internationally significant venue, we will have initiated the development of the whole of Arena Island and adjacent sites around Temple Meads.

Along with the acquisition of the Royal Mail sorting office and other derelict sites and buildings, this will provide a massive boost for Bristol to coincide with the completion of the Metrobus network and a faster electrified rail link to London. This does require some broken eggs before the omelette comes together but it will be worth the wait!

I hope that in May people realise that in me they have someone who is passionate about our city and its people and understands and engages with every part of it. I hope we are demonstrating that we do things differently in Bristol and that I was elected as part of a social movement for change in 2012. I will continue to pursue our vison for a happier, healthier and more prosperous Bristol for all, which I am proud to be able to say is being delivered in extremely challenging times.

All the very best,

George Ferguson

What's next for Calais Refugee Solidarity Bristol?

An update for Calais Refugee Solidarity Bristol

Jan 11 2016

Join us at our next public meeting and find out what we've been doing and how you can get involved.

We are looking for people who might be interested in:

➡ activism & campaigns to tackle the root of this crisis;
➡ fundraising so that we can continue to send financial aid to the wonderful groups working on the ground in France;
➡ collecting aid, volunteering in Bristol or volunteering in Calais. 
➡learning more about the campaign.

All are welcome and we look forward to seeing faces old and new! If you intend to come, could you please comment below so we have an idea of numbers. 

When & where?

7pm, Thursday 21st January @ The Palestine Museum, 27 Broad Street, Bristol. 

Thanks for your support. 

contact@calaisrefugeesolidaritybristol.co.uk
Twitter: @BristolCalais 

New single and video out NOW!

An update for Victoria Klewin & The TrueTones debut album

Dec 18 2015

Hi everybody,

Just wanted to let you know that our new single 'WHY SHOULD I?' is out now on bandcamp and on youtube with a video made by Bristol-based film maker Marcus Way. I would like to offer you all a free download to say thank you for your support... If you'd like to redeem a free download then send me an email victoria_klewin@hotmail.co.uk and I will give you a unique code! It's all a bit long-winded but hey that's fine! ;)

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uaMMgY78X4

Buy the single: https://victoriaklewinandthetruetones.bandcamp.com/track/why-should-i

Hope you enjoy it!

V x

New Clips

An update for 'Sound of a City' - a documentary about live music in Bristol

Dec 16 2015

Hi all,

Just a short message to let you know that we've put a couple of new clips up on our Facebook page. One of drum and bass pioneer Roni Size and another of Chris Farrell, a local record shop owner who plays a big part in the current music scene. 

Follow the link here: https://www.facebook.com/soundofacityfilm/?fref=nf

The film is shaping up really nicely - we've been working on it a lot over November and the edit is beginning to take some shape. 

Will be in touch with further news. 

SOAC x

Pop up shop is open for business!

An update for Calais Refugee Solidarity Bristol

Dec 11 2015

The CRSB pop up shop on North Street is looking great!

We have a huge selection of clothing and footwear for men, women, kids and babies. Come and browse the rails or rummage in a bargain bin.

We've also got lots of brand new items that would make wonderful Christmas gifts! Take a look at the pics to see just some of what is up for grabs. Xxx

The pop up shop is coming to BS3!

An update for Calais Refugee Solidarity Bristol

Dec 9 2015

Calais Refugee Solidarity Bristol has acquired a Pop-Up Shop in North street, BS3..

We are fitting it out tomorrow and making it look all pretty and Xmassy. It will be full of the not-needed-goods -in-Calais and there are some real bargains !

There will be artworks and crafts from Bristol artists and designers alongside films, slideshows and speakers about the Refugee crisis.

Your role is to come along, support the campaign, spread the word and spend your money - all for good causes like shelters for the refugees, firewood and food smile emoticon The shop will be open Thursday 10th to December 20th Thursday to Sunday only ( for now ).

Please come and support it and more importantly volunteer to help it! 

As always please do keep sharing the project link with your friends and family, we want to get to 15K by 2016. 

Thanks for your support everyone, we will be providing a breakdown of where the supplies and donations are helping out soon and to outline our strategy and plan for 2016. 

The Calais Refugee Solidarity Group Bristol. 

Robert Penn signed book

An update for Goats for Sustainable Woodland Management

Dec 4 2015

We are very pleased to announce some news!

The amazing author, tv dude and spokesperson for woodlands, Robert Penn, is donating a signed copy of his latest book for our goat fundraising project.

Everyone who donates at any time will be in with a chance of winning this fascinating signed book, we will choose the winner at random at the end.

Thank you Rob!

http://www.penguin.co.uk/…/the-man-who-made-…/9781846148422/

Robert Penn cut down an ash tree to see how many things could be made from it. After all, ash is the tree we have made the greatest and most varied use of over the course of human history. Journeying from Wales across Europe and Ireland to the USA, Robert finds that the ancient skills and knowledge of the properties of ash, developed over millennia making wheels and arrows, furniture and baseball bats, are far from dead. The book chronicles how the urge to understand and appreciate trees still runs through us all like grain through wood.

Latest update!

An update for Calais Refugee Solidarity Bristol

Nov 25 2015

We'd like to say a huge thank you to the Bishopston Bayou Band for throwing a fantastic benefit gig last Thursday. There was an amazing turn out and everyone's efforts resulted in a grand total of £820 being raised!!! This will be a huge help in enabling us to provide some relief to some of the 7500 people having to live in the most awful conditions this winter.

Tonight we are having a co-ordinators meeting post Calais to discuss the future of the group and how we can make things better all round.

Just wanted to say thankyou all for your help so far and most importantly your patience whilst drop offs have been closed.

Please keep sharing and pledging the Fundsurfer project page so far we have raised £10,567 from 364 backers which is AMAZING! Thank you all. 

CRSB X

T-shirts ahoy!

An update for Victoria Klewin & The TrueTones debut album

Nov 17 2015

Hello to everyone on this very gloomy day! Where's the sun gone?!

Just a quickie... Thought it might cheer some of you up to know that I've just put the order in for the T-shirts, so if you selected that option or a package that includes a t-shirt, you'll be getting it soon! I'll be in touch with you all individually, but if you're feeling proactive then please do send me your address and size preference (S,M,L,XL, XXL). My email is victoria_klewin@hotmail.co.uk.

If you didn't order one and you're kicking yourself now, it's not too late! There are still 8 days on the clock to get your orders in. :)

V x