Adventures in Bristol!
A ‘grand day-out’, gathering inspiration from the streets of Bristol!
I have been involved with a Street Design Project run by Local People Spon End, Sustrans. We have been meeting up to gather ideas into how the community can create positive changes to Spon End, particularly the subway in Spon Street.
The good folks at the People’s Health Trust gave us a gift at Christmas time, some money to spend on a social activity as part of the Local People, Spon End project. After consideration we decided, as a group, to go on a Bristol Adventure!
Why Bristol?
Bristol is home to many street art and community-led projects. We wanted to check out the amazing artwork that adorns the streets and to find out more about its history. We had also heard about the Bearpit and wanted to find out more about how the area was developed.
What we got up to
We joined the “Where The Wall” Street Art Tour and was guided around Bristol by an amazing wealth of knowledge: John Nation a true expert on graffiti and urban art. He took us to various sites and shared the history of each piece including the messages they were conveying. Not only did we learn about the artists, we found out about how the pieces were created and the tensions that exist. Highly recommend taking one of their tours.
Pit stop
Lunch was at The Station, a cafe run by the YMCA in a converted fire station. Our bellies were filled with amazing food and our thirst quenched with a brew. I shared the Mezze with my other half, this consisted of three house salads, halloumi, hummus, dolmades, falafel and homemade flatbread – simply scrummy!
Community Inspiration
After lunch, we walked to the Bear Pit, to see Bearritos a community-led project which had transformed a sunken roundabout and connecting subways. We met a member of the community group and heard about the development of the project including significant challenges they have faced recently. We saw first hand, the challenges that exist at the Bear Pit and heard what was planned for the future. Unfortunately, due to rising tensions, the project was temporarily closed but we did hear about their plans for moving forward.
What next?
Local People Spon End are organising a Spon Street Subway clean up. Let them know if you can attend by filling out their Doodle Poll. Likewise, if you have any ideas or would like to get involved…
Show the River Sherbourne some love with a spring clean!
Join in the community clean-up event on Friday 11th May, 10am-12noon. Everyone is invited to get involved, meet outside the Rose Community Centre. Following the event, lunch will be provided for those taking part. The Oasis Community Cafe will also be open all morning on the 11th.
Got any bulky household items you don’t want anymore? Dispose of them for free in skips organised by Whitefriars
Hope to see you there!