CHIS Newsletter Summer 2024
Chairmans Report.
When there is good news it is right to start with it.
A Tale of Two Soils.
The contaminated mound near the Observatory Childrens’
Playground has been cleared after four months of promised
action and frantic protests by a number of exasperated residents
and strongly backed by our councillors.
In contrast with that soil removal, in Canynge Square infill of
soil into a sink hole has been a challenge. After three years and
with a substantial contribution from neighbours and CHIS,
contractors commissioned by Bristol City Council are completing
the considerable task of filling with concrete and then soil the
sink hole exposed by a fallen tree. The vaults of a villa which was
never built had over time had been covered by earth and
vegetation. The contractors are to be congratulated on managing
the task with minimum fees. Residents will be delighted to have
the restored garden ready by June 8th, 9th June for the Open
Gardens Weekend. Needless to say, the restrictions on car travel
in the Square will not be missed.
New Bus Route.
The introduction of the Number 5 bus from St Anne’s to Clifton
Village is welcome but many members would urge the authorities
to restore the route which links Redland and Clifton [as the
number 9 used to be]. The route outlined by RoseMary
Musgrave in a recent Newsletter [Winter 2023] answers the need
for a bus route that bestrides Whiteladies Road.
Talks.
Our March event, “Pilgrimage” lived up to its title in an
unexpected way when our usual venue, the Apostle Room,
suffered intermittent electricity problems. It proved no easy
matter to find a replacement [and inform members]. Despite
many attempts to book a room outside Clifton Cathedral, the
solution was to stay there. The St James Room prove to be
available and just large enough as well as appropriate in that
Santiago is the Spanish for St James.
Shaun Macloughlin ranged engagingly over many adventures,
starting with his pilgrimage to Compostela and recounting his
pioneering career as a BBC Radio Drama producer, ending with
his current work teaching English through Drama in the Far East
and beyond.
‘What CHIS is and Does’ was the subject of my talk at a Clifton
Rotary Club lunch in mid April, when I gave a brisk account of
the Society’s inception in 1968, which was prompted by the
prevailing shabbiness and neglect in Hotwells and Clifton, not to
forget the terrible Spirit of the Age [here, in Bath and elsewhere].
Demolition of Georgian buildings in favour of through roads and
supermarkets, and the tarmac-covering of public gardens for
electricity substations and car parks – and much more – were a
revelation to the listeners of what CHIS has fought against in
favour of Improvement.
Events.
Very regrettably, we had to cancel the planned visit to
Malmesbury and Lydiat Tregoze for lack of takers. One of the
many victims of Lockdown, our famously popular trips seem to
have lost favour.
The [former] Zoo North Car Park.
Residents with long memories have helped us in our
determination to have the above area restored to Downs
grassland as it had been until the early 199os. As a result of
meticulous legal work, a letter to the Downs Committee has been
sent. It insists that the recent judicial ruling obtained by Friends
of the Downs be adhered to: by the Downs Act of 1862
commercial or similar activity in that area is forbidden. We are
in accord with Bristol Tree Forum in this matter and in addition
are urging the Downs Committee to improve the conditions for
current and new trees as well as grass.
Another challenge is this: the revised Local Plan for Bristol’s
map of green land of the Downs does not include the former
North car Park but must be revised to do so.
Flooding.
Committee members have pressed our councillors with regard to
the severe and dangerous flooding for many month, notably at the
junction of Clifton Park Road and Pembroke Road.
Details may be seen later in the Newsletter. Of course the
near-continuous rains of the few months have made for floods
but they have exacerbated a number of long-standing Problems.
WHS-Clifton on Ice Site.
The area is if anything ever-more degrading, its ugly fencing
plastered with graffiti and cheap posters: such an impression of
Clifton for the numerous tourists who queue for a bus there.
The latest and third sale of the site bodes ill for those have fought
for a handsome and appropriate development.
Proposed Bus Lane for Rownham Hill.
The immediate North Somerset side of the Avon is in BS8 and so
part of our remit. We are of the same mind as many objectors and
organizations in opposing the proposal, which would cause heavy
traffic jams, tailing back from the lights opposite Ashton Park.
Not a few comments include a reference to the nationally
ridiculed new layout of Clevedon’s promenade – now to be
replaced in the face of public outrage. Let sanity prevail!
Brian Worthington, June 2024