EASTON WAY

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In this edition of Easton Way, we’re celebrating our area’s ability to uphold a strong community feel, despite all the troubles in our modern world. We’re speaking to some prominent groups and individuals that find their roots grounded in the area. Steve, from the Easton Cowboys, spoke to us about the charitable missions they’ve undertaken to play the beautiful game of football in countries across the world. We also catch busy designer- Dionne Thomas- to learn all about her ever growing fashion line, and how growing up in Easton impacted on her creativity. The opening of Stapleton Road station, in 1863, allowed important transport links to be made to other major cities in the UK. But in the 19th century, the majority of Easton was redeveloped into housing as industry moved away. But some of the imposing buildings have been redesigned to showcase Easton’s artistic side. Read more on page.20.Alongside this, Easton Way has all the news to keep you up-to-date with politics, food hygiene and local parks, all filled with opinions from people in your area. Easton often finds itself given a bad reputation because of anti-social behaviour, violence and countless walls filled with graffiti. But after pounding the streets to create this edition of Easton Way, we’ve discovered that you love Easton just as much as us! We’ve tried to fill this magazine with as much colour, diversity and vibrancy as possible- focusing on the fantastic positives that Easton has to offer.But for the next edition of Easton Way, we need your help! Grab your cameras, get on the streets and get snap happy capturing changes in Easton as we move into the joys of spring. We’ll choose a winner from the entries we receive and they’ll get a spot on the front cover! So, choose your best snap and send it in to us at theeastonway@hotmail.co.uk

C O N T E N T SEditor’s Column

To see extra content and get more involved, click here and visit our blog.

To have your say or send us info, drop us an e-mail.

Or, visit us on facebook and give us a like. Pokes welcome. F Naomi Katie Chelsea Megan Kirsty

C O N T E N T S

What’s on?

Current Affairs

Community

Review

4 -

5 -

6/7 - Funding cuts sever vital support for young mums.

8/9 - Government cuts force Easton to take a haircut.

10/13 - A head for colour.

14/15 - Positive Projects for Public Areas

16/17 - B.I.G ideas for Brook Street Park

18/19 - Just a bunch of blokes playing football?

20 - Mivart Studios: A raw look into Easton’s art.

21 - Bristol West Indies club takes a hit.

To see extra content and get more involved, click here and visit our blog.

To have your say or send us info, drop us an e-mail.

Or, visit us on facebook and give us a like. Pokes welcome.

J3 library throws open its doors to the public.

Good enough to eat?

3

J3 library throws opens its doors to the public

The J3 library, on the edge of Easton in Baptist Mills, opened its doors on March 19 in celebration of

the anniversary of Bristol’s first ever library opening 400 years ago.The library is part of a ￡8.4 million development project which involved the city council, Knightstone Housing Association and the Big Lottery Community Libraries Programme.The all-day event included an array of entertainment for the visitors which included circus skills activity workshops, graphic novel workshops and Bhangra dancing; as well as a live drive time show from the local radio station BCfm.

The library was officially opened by Mayor George Ferguson in a cake cutting ceremony with Nick Medhurst, Chair of Knightstone Housing, David Orr, the Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, Kate

Murray, Head of Bristol Libraries and Mark Cotton, Senior Head of Region Big Lottery. The library itself is bucking the trend of recent library closures due to no funding.At a press conference held at the opening Mayor Ferguson said: “At a time when there are so many local services in the UK under threat of closure, I’m really delighted to attend the opening of a new multi-purpose library, one that will be a major asset for the community.” The library has an impressive

number of facilities including learning and training rooms, an ICT suite with computers for adults and children, a children’s section with reading tunnel and slide, all the latest fiction and nonfiction books, bookable spaces and a lounge area. Events, activities and workshops will also be set up in the library for the local community. J3 is part of a development within the community that will include 59 affordable homes, a new open public space, as well as seven commercial units.With almost 2,000 people through the doors on the first day, J3 library is sure to be a success.Easton’s Councillor Faruk Choudhury said: “It’s important for my constituents and people who live in Easton. It’s brilliant and we are very excited to see such a beautiful building at the entrance to Easton.” By Kirsty Purdom.

Cutting the cake ceremony with George Ferguson Photo by: Bristol Libraries.

Children’s reading tunnel and slide in the libraryPhoto by: Bristol Libraries.

“A major asset for the community”

Good enough to eat?

Data from the Food Standard Agency (FSA) website shows that 11 eateries in Easton were graded

0-1; the majority of those have not been inspected in over six months with three not having been inspected in nearly two years. The ratings are between zero and five; with zero meaning urgent improvements are necessary and five meaning very good. Many restaurants in the area have received good reviews for example; Cafe Maitreya, Eastern Taste and Jeevan’s have all received grade fives in 2012. However there are a lot of ratings which are a cause for concern, not only are there a worrying amount of restaurants which have received a grade one there are some which have not been inspected since as early as 2001 and many restaurants are still awaiting inspection. Simon Melican, manager of the Environmental Health Department at Bristol City Council commented on the issue of the lack of inspections: “In Bristol, in common with many other food authorities, we do not have the resources to carry out all of the interventions that are due and so we target our resources towards the premises in the highest risk categories”Due to the lack of funding for consistent inspections, the agency have had to devise a way to best serve the public, while using the least possible resources. The FSA issues a Code of Practice setting out guidelines

of hygiene criteria against which every food premises is rated after each intervention. Depending on the total score for these criteria, the premises is

categorised as an A (highest risk – due for intervention every 6 months), B (due for intervention every 12 months), C (due for intervention every 18 months), D (due for intervention every 24 months) and E (low risk due for intervention every 36 months) or if so low risk that they do not meet the criteria for inclusion in the intervention programme they

are categorised as outside (it).This means that the FSA can target their resources in the most efficient way; however it does seem that a lot of premises will fall under the radar.Nikki Berridge, 37 has been a resident of Easton for the past 12 years. She said: “Some places haven’t been checked since 2001? Seriously, that will make me more wary of where I eat now. I am mean just because somewhere was perfect that long ago doesn’t mean they will maintain their standards does it?”

Many places have not been inspected for six months, are consumers concerned?Image taken by: Megan Robertson.

By: Megan Robertson.

“We don’t have the resources to carry out all the

interventions due”

5

Funding cuts sever vital support for young mothers

A group which helps young mums in Easton could close in six months due to government funding cuts - leaving vulnerable women without support.

The Young Monthers Group Trust (YMGT) is an independent charity set up in 1980 which provides safe acommodation for young women to get back on their feet.Kilburn Court in Easton, which has 11 flats, is one of three accommodation blocks run by the charity - and the one most likely to face closure.Vanessa Mclean, 46, is the manager of Kilburn Court. She gave birth to her daughter at just 16 so she knows the importance of charities like YMGT are and how devastating the cuts could be. She said: “We’re mortified by the cuts, we stand alone and we don’t have a voice”The girls who come to the centre have been given referrals from the council after reaching out for help due to being homeless and pregnant or with children. Social services also direct girls to the centre if they find that their family homes are unsuitable to raise a child in. Vanessa explained: “One girl came here because her mum had loads of cats and the house was an absolute pit, another because her step father was violent and another whose two brothers were heroin addicts and there were needles all over the floor. We’ve seen it all.”With support from the homless charity Centre Point they have set up a tool kit to help the young

women in their care. They aim to help these young women gain genuine control over their own lives, play an active role in the community and live in independent accommodation.

A housing support officer will meet with them on a fortnightly basis, once the girls have moved in, and offer support and make sure they’re recieving the benefits their entitled to. Vanessa talked me through the process:“In the first meeting we always ask, where do you see yourself in the next 10 years? Nearly every girl says with a decent job, a house and my kids in a good school. That’s all they’re asking for, a normal life.” YMGT put the girls in touch with the right people in order to get them onto college courses, to put them on the path to a career. Alongside this, ‘Life Wise’ workshops are set up to help the the girls create CVs and discuss interview skills that will eventually lead to mock interviews.“The minimum time a young woman will spend here will be seven months. In those seven months we will look for them to prove themselves ready for their own council accommodation. We expect them

The time is ticking for Young Mothers Trust Group. Due to the funding cuts they may cease to exist in just 6 months, having a devastating effect on the vulnerable women and children they support.

“We’re mortified by the cuts, we stand alone and we don’t have a

voice”

to pay rent and bills, keep their flat clean and be respectful to the rules here within Kilburn Court. If they do all of that then we can give them band 2 status; which means they will now be eligible to move on to choosing some council accommodation and moving on”Yong mothers can stay with the charity for longer if necessary and Vanessa explained that it is often a long process of staff being ‘cruel to being kind’ in order to get the girls ready for independence:“I remember one girl who kept having her boyfriend come and stay but, they are only able to have one overnight visit a week. He was a violent guy and the police were after him, one night another girl came to the staff and informed us that he was in the flat and he had been violent. It turned out that during sex her baby had cried so he just punched the girl in the face, staff went over but she wouldn’t let us in. In the end we called the police but had to just let them arrest her as well for harbouring him.“We’ve had to get police involved plenty of times as sometimes it’s the only way to get through to the girls.”YMGT does however have many success stories to celebrate.One young mother, Andrea who was known as their ‘budgeting queen’, came to the centre in 2008 with her daughter Neveah. She has gone on to study and become a social worker and will be

re-visiting the centre in April this year to talk to other mums going through the same struggle she did.

The budgeting cuts will cause a great loss if it is forces the centre to close. It does much needed work in rehabilitating homeless young mums and getting them back into the community and into work. Without the aid of charities like YMGT which Vanessa admits, often pick up where social services and the council have left off, fewer young mums will be able to cope with motherhood and be able to become positive role models for their children.Roseeena 19, emplasises the importance of having support from the trust.“YMGT gave me the faith and belief that I could do something constructive with my life,” she said.

Funding cuts sever vital support for young mothers

Get in touch!If you think YMGT’s services

could help you or you would like to volunteer.

Telephone: 0117 954 0020e-mail: info@ymgt.org.uk

The time is ticking for Young Mothers Trust Group. Due to the funding cuts they may cease to exist in just 6 months, having a devastating effect on the vulnerable women and children they support.

“YMGT gave me the faith and belief that I could do something

constructive with my life”

Photos provided by the manager of YM

GT, Kilburn Court.

By: Megan Robertson.

7

Government cuts force Easton to take a haircut

People in Easton warn that the forthcoming changes to housing benefit rules will result in higher levels

of rent arrears and greater homelessness.The changes implemented in April means many people lose a significant amount of housing benefit.“These changes will predominantly impact on the very poor; it’s simply counterproductive and won’t help in anyway,” said Alan Goddard, drop-in manager at The Wild Goose Café in Easton.The café helps people suffering from addiction, mental health problems, long term unemployment and homelessness.

Alan said: “There are an awful lot of people on the streets in Bristol, and currently we feed around 600 people per day. I foresee this doubling in the next year as a result of these benefit changes; not just because of an increase in homelessness, but also as individuals may eventually become unable to

feed themselves in an adequate manner.” The impact will be felt most by council or housing association tenants, who may risk falling into rent arrears and possible eviction, as many already face money problems.

A cap on the total amount of housing benefit that can be claimed by people of working age has started in several boroughs of London, and will be rolled out nationwide by September. Families that have children will see their housing benefits capped at £500per week, and individually people will be capped at £350.Nothing above these limits will be provided, even if someone is assessed as needing more.“The prospect of being capped at £350 is going to mean that I will struggle to leave the temporary accommodation that I’m currently living in,” said Shelly Tanner, who seeks help from the Wild Goose Café after recently being made redundant.The second change to housing benefits will be a reduction if the council believes that the home is

too big for the needs of occupier. If there are one or more spare rooms, then the amount will be cut by 14% for one bedroom, and 25% for the two or more.There are only around 4,000 one bed properties in Bristol, and there will be an inevitable increase in demand when these changes are put into place. Joe Partridge, a resident in Easton who works full time in a local supermarket, said “So far there is nowhere for me to downsize from my two bedroom house. I’m facing the reality of serious money problems or moving quite far from the area I know.”The Government argues these changes will help cut the £23 billion annual bill for housing benefit.

“These changes will predominantly impact on the very poor; it won’t help

in anyway”

By: Chelsea Leslie

Benefit changes introduced from April means significant benefit losses to many, but some could face rent arrears or even homelessness. But what will be the impact to Easton residents?

“Facing the reality of serious money

problems or moving away from the area I know”

Click above watch a video for more details on the impending housing benefit caps.Illustration by: David Lyndon Thomas.

9

A H

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Easton’s Dionne Thomas steps out into town.

By: Naomi Leathem

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Dionne sits with me in her studios in Stokes Croft, after returning from showcasing her latest couture line in London and discusses her influences and aspirations for her label.We are seated in the forever hectic studio space in the Stokes Croft Coexist Studios, in the vibrant Hamilton House. Sat surrounded by an array of colourful materials amidst rails of eccentric vintage and costume outfits and piles of pattern cuttings, Dionne discusses her brand and her childhood with me over coffee. “I was brought up very close to my Nan, she was a seamstress, and she made a lot of our clothes and my aunties,”

“I never imagined making a living off it, thought you would

have to be a celebrity to do that, it was just what I liked doing.”

Describing Easton as her entire world during childhood, Dionne describes the familiarity of the streets and the neighborhood, explaining how Easton for her was an open community where families were close knit and culturally diverse.“It is a very culturally diverse place I spent my childhood in Easton, I never left the country or went out of the area”. As she spread her wings and left Easton, Dionne remembers the sense of “being for the first time a minority, I thought the world was like Easton.”Attending school in Cotham. Dionne started taking classes in textiles explaining how for many it was: “The option you pick because you didn’t want to do anything else.”But for her it was the start of her passion for textile design. This driven passion led Dionne to look at fashion as a career, which meant the birth of ‘Puckoo Couture’. The name was chosen as a mark of respect to her grandmother, who nicknamed her from a young age ‘Puckoo’.Dionne explains this sentimental memory just became the natural fit for the name of her brand.Dionne’s clothes resonate her personal outrageous style:

Dionne Thomas, an Easton born and raised designer, is a ris-ing star in the cut throat world of independent fashion. Ex-hibiting her collection in London is just one example of the expansion of her brand Puckoo Couture. Dionne already has an impressive collection of fashion icons and celebri-ties; such as Jessie J and Kelis (click here to see the video) stepping out in her skin

tight and bright range.

“I design for myself and if there’s others out there who like what I’m into and buy

it that’s an added bonus for me!”

Her daring cuts, intricate prints and embellished body suits reflect her own style. Dionne describes herself as fearless with colour and has only just started infusing black into her wardrobe,

“I’ve always loved bright colors maybe it’s a cultural thing I guess but I’m not scared to use colour!”

Dionne, as a young mother and a flourishing independent designer, understands the struggles of owning a small brand entering the fashion industry. Not only does she have a busy schedule of fashion shows and entire collections to produce she juggles her time seamlessly with being a mother.Having recieved backing from independent designers within the Secret Emporium group, who seek only the best up-coming British design talent, Dionne chooses to collaborate with a number of talented independent artists such as graphic designers, textile artists and print designers and photographers. Jenny Pierce, a current student intern for the designer explains to me why she chooses to wear, promote and work for ‘Puckoo Couture’,

“It is fresh, individual, sexy and anything the wearer wants

it to be.” Jenny explains how Dionne has not just become a mentor but a close friend “We’ve had some really good times together”, “Because it is often just the two of us working really closely together it is really close knit, and we have become good friends, sharing the laughter as well as the hard times that come with working in a small independent.” Jenny explains the increasing amount of work performed by Dionne and her team “I think in a micro business such as Puckoo there is a real need to take on multiple roles, but I really

enjoy doing it as I learn a lot and each day is different, so I don’t get bored.”Puckoo Couture has recently worked with Bristol freelance photographer Kevin Voller one of the many supporters of this independent brand.He describes his time working for the company’s fashion shoots as:

“It was great being able to shoot clothes that are so vibrant and have such a

presence. She is a designer who isn’t afraid to have bold,

stand out pieces.”Dionne’s ready to release her new SS/13 collection out onto the streets, with hype around the sequel to a collection she describes as “inspired by the 1980’s film Blade Runner”,“I used the idea of a perfect woman, I wanted my clothes to draw attention to the female figure, replicate the female form through the design.”The science fiction classic has a detective hunting a collection of renegade humans, bred specially to work on behalf of the world. Blade Runner’s look merged film noir with a bleak imagining of the future and has proved hugely influential within Dionne’s work of elaborate leotrads and body suits, in a range of eye-catching colors.Dionne’s sequel collection, “Summer in LA 2019”, will be available to buy on the ‘Puckoo Couture’ Asos marketplace website and Puckoo Couture website. Just as daring and flamboyant Dionne’s created a sequel collection which has been let loose on the catwalks of the Bristol ‘Fashion Friday Eco Show’ as shot by Photographer Kevin Voller (as shown on the right.)

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Fashion Show Eco Show S/S13Photogrpahy by Kevin Voller behind stage.

Click here to Visit the Website.

13

POSITIVEPROJECTS FOR PUBLIC AREAS

Easton Starts to Blossom

Photo top: Allotment plaque.Photo bottom: Allotment and hand-made hutTaken by Katie Millner

Foodcycle Fights Food Poverty

Richard and Anita cooking in Easton community centre . Picture from FoodCycle website.

By Katie Millner

By Megan Robertson

Easton Starts to BlossomVisiting the eco-friendly Community Allotment in Easton demonstrates a different side to Easton. The allotment is a quarter the size of a football pitch and the hidden gem of the community. The Community Allotment, also known as Commallot, is thriving with volunteers from the community coming every Thursday to help out.Many of the materials are found or donated, and is probably why they aren’t too concerned about government funding. Chris Williams, Finance Team Manager for Neighbourhoods & City Development, explained that the Bristol City Council (BCC) assisted the project started in 2001.BCC provided the land, funded

the palisade fence and a skip but are not currently involved with the project. “The group receives discounted rent because there’s no water supply on site. This was to give the project a headstaart. The staff I’ve spoken to would say all the good features have been due to efforts and hard work of the community,” explained Chris.Support from the council isn’t needed nor wanted, many believe using external support would defeat the purpose of the allotment altogether. They work on the basis that whatever needs to be done, will be done by them, following permaculture guidelines closely to reach a sustainable future.However, as they rent space from the council they need some

income to pay for this and other necessities, such as seeds. To earn this they take a plant stall to the annual Garden Life event in Broadmead and to local seed swap events.“Occasionally to cover larger expenses we apply for local funds,” said Cristina Crossingham, one of the allotment’s co-ordinators.Despite precarious finances, those who are part of the project are confident about the future.Cristina said: “Commalot is a place for the community; people come because they love it. Some also come who are unemployed, depressed or homeworkers. They’re not expected to work but we maintain a culture of behaviour here- be nice to each other.”

Slideshow of allotment tour

For 33-year-old Renee, FoodCycle is more than a place to enjoy a tasty ratatouille– it’s a chance to connect with her community, learn about nutrition and enjoy a warm family atmosphere.She said: “The food is always healthy and vegetarian, so less expensive to create. The meal helps less fortunate people because creates a family environment and real friends are made.”FoodCycle runs a community meal from 2.30pm to 4.30pm every Sunday at the Easton Community Centre. The charity collects unwanted food from local supermarkets and shops and creates a free nutritious meal for the community.

Anna, 19, has been volunteering with FoodCycle for a year.She said: “Every Saturday night, we collect from Sainsburys with a bike and a trailer. One week we just got bags and bags of bananas and it’s like, what do you do?” Loads of creativity is needed to provide a meal for 50-60 people a week. Anna explained: “We always get bread so we give that away. Some weeks are really bad, and we have to use money from the donation box. We just buy food if it becomes necessary.”Jonathan Broad, a medical student, brought FoodCycle to Bristol in 2008 when he used the kitchens in Easton’s Community Centre for a free community meal.Jonathan, 23, explained: “After

meeting the London team I was inspired, and decided to set it up in Bristol. The local shops of Easton are the biggest champions, having always been so supportive.”FoodCycle don’t just offer a good meal. “Workshops and other activities are conducted around meal times. Everyone is welcome, but there’s focus on groups that have poor access to food, such as refugees and homeless people,” added Jonathan.Despite recent controversies on whether or not supermarkets should donate food to charities, FoodCycle hasn’t suffered.“We serve food that can’t be sold but still safe to eat; we don’t serve meat or anything high risk,” said Jonathan.

Foodcycle Fights Food Poverty

Richard and Anita cooking in Easton community centre . Picture from FoodCycle website.

Video of Foodcycle at work

15

B.I.G ideas for Brook Street Play Area

Easton residents are speaking up about the state of their local park. General consensus is discussed among Brook Street Park Improvement Group members regarding park changes.

A group of Easton residents are keen to shake the label of their local park being

“one of the poorest quality play areas in the city”. With a now £110,000 budget from the council, the play area is expected to be finished this summer.It started with a complaint letter to Easton and Lawrence Hill

Neighbourhood Management (E&LHNM)’s magazine. That attracted so many responses from residents that the Brook Street Park Improvement Group (B.I.G) was formed to tackle the poor play area.Francois Jenson, Neighbourhood Facilitator of E&LHNM, began approaching the council with this problem and invited council

members to join meetings and give advice about getting funding for the project.Francois explains that Brook Street Park, also known as Castle Park, was one of four neighbourhood partnership priority parks to be improved. The financial support Brook Street Park is receiving from the council is very beneficial.

By Katie Millner

However, it does mean that the three other priority parks in the area will be suffering from the lack of funds to share around.

The developments for the park improvements have been rapid, with work starting in Spring 2012 and hoped to be finished by the end of May 2013. Francois explains that “the hard work of the residents has shown them that working together things can improve and things don’t just stay as they are.”

Many drastic changes to the park will be made such as new fencing, re-tarmac, new play equipment and decorations, all of which the park is currently lacking. Park Rangers will be present in the park once a week to help bring conflicting groups together within the community. For local residents the park improvements will drastically change their area. Nikki Buglass, has been an active member since the beginning, attending meetings and helping with promotional aspects of their project, such as leafleting and holding open events.She explains that “at the moment the space is ugly, dirty and unsafe, with many residents feeling that the area is misused. The planned improvements will

draw other residents back to the park.”She said “it is important that my children grow up knowing the people in the area, so the park provides a perfect place for them to interact with others.”Since the group began she has got to know a lot more of her neighbours and hopes that the improvements on Brook Street Park will increase use of it and residents will feel more involved in the area.Francois believes that “the improvements to the park will make it a destination rather than a desolation.”

“working together things can

improve, things don’t just stay as

they are.”

17

Football players are well-known for their big wages and their even bigger egos.But for members of

the Cowfolks, a sport and social group based in Easton, what motivates them is a belief in democracy, internationalism and freedom.During the summer of 1992, a variety of punks and hippies made the move from a regular Sunday afternoon kick around, to joining one of the local Sunday leagues. Banksy, the elusive graffiti artist holds a title as one of the earliest club members.The Cowboys and Cowgirls now include several men’s and one women’s football team, three cricket teams, two netball teams and a basketball team.

They aim to constantly create a non-prejudicial atmosphere, where all races, sexualities and genders are welcome.

“If you turn up, you get a game, it’s all about creating opportunities,” said one Cowboy, Punky Steve, as I sat with him and a handful of Cowboys in The Plough one Saturday afternoon.The Plough has always been the club’s base and has been the scene for many memorable Cowboy hoedowns.On any night of the week, you’re likely to spy one or two team members propping up the bar, chewing the fat and watching the

big screen telly.The bond between the club and the pub began with the help of long term landlord, Cliff Bailey to create an inclusive community atmosphere.Retiring in 2001, Cliff’s good work is being continued by brothers Kaz and Otan. The club regularly organises social events, tournaments and trips abroad with likeminded clubs all over the world. In May 1993, at the end of their first football season, the direction changed entirely when an invite was sent from Stuttgart, to attend a festival focused on footy, music and socialising.The Cowfolk found an affinity with the teams at Stuttgart- they were also explicitly anti-racist and anti-fascist but pro punk rock music, beer and football.

Just a bunch of blokes playing football?By: Chelsea Leslie

“It’s all about creating

opportunities”

Annual tournaments began, with groups from Belgium, Poland and Lithuania getting involved. The friendships made abroad now mean regular visits from players in other teams.In the last 10 years, the club have visited and played in California, France, Italy, Poland, Brazil and more.The club’s next adventure in April 1999 took them to Mexico to play in a tournament with the Zapatista communities of Chiapas. “The Zapatistas are a group of indigenous people who had taken up arms against the Mexican state in protest against a life of total injustice,” explained Wayne Kelly, “but of course, they’re football crazy.”Wayne, along with several other Cowboys and Cowgirls decided to raise funds to provide the Zapatista villages with fresh water systems.Kiptik was set up in May 2000, and is a group commited to supporting the Zapatista community primarily through the construction of safe drinking systems.“The word kiptek means inner strength in the Zapatista’s language,” said Punky. “In the last 10 years they’ve raised over £100,000, which is phenomenal.”Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Cowboys began asking why there were no Cowgirl footballers in the club.

If they were meant to be anti-racist, anti-sexist, then where were the women?In 2002 the Cowgirls F.C formed, taking inspiration from Republica International (Leeds, UK) and the famous St. Pauli (Hamburg, Germany). The Cowgirls hit the ground running and have gone from strength to strength ever since. Punky recalls the Cowboys’ “biggest test yet”- the trip to Palestine in April 2007. “It’s not all parties, we take tours like this seriously and have a number of security meetings beforehand,” said Punky. “Safety is the number one consideration when we head to places like these.”

While in Palestine, the Cowboys played football against various Palestinian teams and painted murals on ‘the wall’.The Israeli West Bank barrier is a separation barrier under construction by the State of Israel along and within the West Bank.Supporters argue that this barrier is necessary in order to protect Israeli civilians from Palestinian terrorism.

These supporters believe that the reduction in suicide bombs since the creation of ‘the wall’ is indicative of the barrier’s effectiveness in preventing such attacks.This trip brought them fame on the local BBC news programme discussing their experiences whilst there.But it isn’t just about the sport.The Easton Cowboys and Cowgirls seems to be as much about the naked penalty shoot outs, fundraising parties with weird and wonderful fancy dress themes, as it is about getting results on the pitch and raising awareness about anti-fascism internationally.When the club first formed, there was no intention of being “a sports team with a political dimension”, explained Punky. But playing football provided some relief from the self-imposed burdens of an activist’s lifestyle. Whilst sipping on a bottle of Grolsch (“poor man’s champagne”), Punky explained that “some of us older Cowfolk wonder what the future holds for the club, but every year life with the club gets more interesting.”With the possibility of a trip to Minsk in mid-January, the international tournaments with other anti-fascist football teams aren’t likely to stop anytime soon.

The Easton Cowboys in Mexico with a team from the Zapatista community, May 2000. Image courtesy of Steve Littleton.

The infamous logo of the Easton Cowboys and Cowgirls.

“We’re just a sports team

with a political dimension”

19

MIVART STUDIOS: A RAW

LOOK INTO EASTON’S ART

Each year the Mivart Studios, Easton, offers an insightful view into the raw practices of the locally created art.

The private studios include over 30 local artists, who display their work to the city of Bristol for one weekend in their open studios event, entitled ‘Mivart Raw’.The artists’ skills culminate in a collection of performance artists, musicians, costume designers and photographers.The artistic communities that are generated by the studio have has a positive visual impact on the local trade of St Marks Road, and helps to support many of the independent restaurants and shops. Fine artist, Dan Hunt suggests that: “The studios definitely bring a new element to the area. I feel that alot of Easton still holds a sense of community.”The red brick factory building dominates the Easton skyline, and has historically played host to a variety of industry and trade; including manufacturing of

textiles and aircraft construction.When inside the building the crowd is able to explore eclectic pieces of work that are under construction; offering a vast maze of styles and techniques.“This open, undressed studio is the only highlight the creative community has living in Easton,” said artist Beki Wills. ‘Mivart Raw’ differs from many art trails publicised elsewhere, as it works hard to offer a sincere connection between the art and the audience.The studio and artists choose to take a personal approach in order to expose the processes

behind many design techniques and artistic concepts.John Hugh Clowrey, an artist from the studio stated: “There is a very eclectic cosmopolitan mixture of people from all over coming here.”While crowds flock to Easton for this candid view inside many of Bristol’s artists’ retreats, you can receive further details on the studio and upcoming events

By: Naomi Leathem.

The Mivart Studios holds private art classes every Wednesday, 7-9pm. Class instructor, Andrew Hardwick says: “The studio creates a clear and posi-tive vision for the area, and is really beneficial for the community of Easton.” If you want to get involved please call: 07971620572

All photos of artists and artwork from Mivart Studios was taken by Naomi

Leathem.

CRICKET CLUB VOWS TO BAT ON

As we fly into 2013, Bristol West Indies Cricket Club (BWICC) is enthusiastic about

the next 50 years at Rose Green Sports and Leisure (RGSL).A ‘Merger Launch’ to combine BWICC with Phoenix Cricket Club and other events has been put into place this summer as a way to celebrate BWICC’s 50th anniversary.They seem confident about the coming years and the progress they’ve made from just a small hut at the entrance gate.However, there still seems to be anxieties in the thoughts of essential associates.20 years ago the cricket club applied for financial assistance from the Lottery Board.This support of £500,000 allowed them to develop the club. Rose Green Sports and Leisure (RGSL) was the first cricket club to receive funds from the Lottery Board.By 1998 new equipment and facilities were completed.Cliff Young, chairperson of RGSL, spoke about the future of the club.

They aim to run a sports academy at RGSL but even more improvements to the club will need to be made.Without funds from the council they’ve had to rely solely on themselves as a self-funded organisation.The recession has caused the club to struggle a bit financially but a recovery plan has been put in place.This consists of marketing the club to bring in new business.At the moment their main source of revenue is from the bar.Easton councillor, John Kiely, said: “In general Councils do not have much money to support local clubs; Bristol Council is itself facing budget cuts of around £70 million. But sports clubs do have access to lottery money, Sport England and various sports foundations, which I would want to explore with them as well as looking at their business plan for the year to see if there are any opportunities there.”Cliff argues that: “We should get more help from the council. They need to recognise what we do here and provide more support

so we can carry on our work and improve the facilities for future generations.”Despite RGSL taking a hit because of financial difficulties over recent years, the club continues to encourage young people to be active in sport, especially cricket. Westley Briscoe, youth team coordinator, coaches the youth teams at City Academy in Redfield every Sunday; alongside other coaches, Lawrence Smith and Paul Lennon.Westley thinks that: “Sport is a big part of life, it teaches you respect, etiquette, rules about the way you should behave, and will really help you in other areas of your life – sport teaches young people and it’s really important that it’s part of their lives.”Cliff says that; “I’d like to think we’ll be here for the next 50 years, it will be hard work but we’re working on teaching the younger generation so they can take over. This will reassure us that the club will stay as a family run organisation.”

By: Katie Millner.

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Love And Rage poetry night Thursday 18th April @

All Hallows Hall (7.30 pm – 11.00pm)

- Bare witness to, or participate in, an extravaganza of fire-spat tongues and passion-wreathed

words!

The Bambi Legs Royal Bash

Saturday 20th April @ The Black Swan

A celebration of the Queens birthday with live music, DJ’S

and OAP fancy dress.

Film & Food Thursday 25th April @ Kebele Community Co- Op (6.30pm)

- Come along for yummy vegan food and a movie.

Easton Community Football Cup Saturday 27th April @

City Academy (2pm – 5pm)- Come along and support your team in a game of community

5-a-side.

70’s & 80’s Funk & Soul night Thursday 2nd May @ The Plough

Inn

Ematingz Market & Social Saturday 4th May @ Easton Community Centre (1.30pm

-5pm)-Live music, freshly made food and plenty of crafts to spend

your pennies on.

Balia Du Cumbia Saturday 4th May @ The Plough

Inn- Live Cumbia and Latin music and dancing to get everyone’s

heads bopping.

The Red Lion Comedy Club Tuesday 7th May @ The Red

Lion Pub (8.30pm)- Book your own slot or come

along for a laugh.

An evening with LTJ Bukem, DJ Dazee & supports

Friday 17th May @ All Hallows Hall (9.00pm)

-The Grand Father LTJ Bukem plays along with DJ Heroine + DJ

Dazee Ruffneck Ting

Easton Arts Trail Saturday 15th to Sunday 16th

June

WHAT’S ON IN EASTON

Upcoming events Regular eventsCommunity Meal – Every Sunday @

Easton Community Centre (2.30pm – 4pm)

Aqua Fit – Every Monday

@ Easton Leisure Centre (8.00pm-9.00pm)

Roots N Tings DJ set- every Thursday night @ The Chelsea

Inn

Henry’s Hot Six Jazz Band – Every Tuesday @ The Chelsea

Inn

Baby and Toddler Group – Every Thursday @

Easton Community Centre (10am-12pm)

Pilates - Every Thursday

@ Easton Community Centre (6.30pm-7.30pm)

Vegan brunch - Every Saturday @ Kebele Community

Co-Op (from 11am)

Easton Arts TrailE

aston residents will be throwing their doors open on Saturday 15 and Sunday

16 June, and are inviting you to experience one of Bristol’s most creative areas.

The word ‘art’ is very loosely interpreted over the weekend, and you don’t need to be an art lover with wads of cash toenjoy Easton Arts Trail, with some of the visitors buying their first piece of art for as little as £1.

With over 80 artists, including performers, sculptors, painters, engravers and film makers taking part in last year’s event, this year promises to be even bigger.

Many of those taking part will exhibit their work in houses throughout the area, but larger group venues will be open for

visitors to view several artists in one place.

For this year’s Front Garden competition (entitled ‘Inside Out’), organisers have decided to include anything that involes outside space rather than limiting it to garden-related items.

This has been done to include even more of the community, as many don’t necessarily want to open their homes to the public.

Organised and led by volunteers from the local community, Easton Arts Trail has become an annual community event that celebrates the always thriving diversity and creativity found in Easton.

The aim of the event every year is to showcase the massivearray of local creative talent from Easton, which ensures that there is something for everyone-

from painters, designers, Easton Community Choir, flamenco and children’s entertainer.

There are endless ways to get to the Trail this year, and it is especially easy to reach by bike.

The Bristol and Bath Railway Park runs through the area, with access points at Easton Road, Chelsea Park, Devon Road and Bruce Road.

Trains from Bristol Temple Meads, Bristol Parkway and Clifton Downs all regularly stop at Stapleton Road station.

Bus routes 4, 24, 48, 49 and U3 all run up Stapleton Road to Robertson Road, and if you fancy travelling in style we have been reliably informed that rickshaws are available to book- call Pedal Walla on 0117 230 5080.

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FEELING CREATIVE?

Easton Way needs your help to find the perfect front cover photograph or graphic design for the next edition of our magazine! With spring nearly sprung, we want your photographs to capture our area represented by your interpretation of the season. We’ll gather all the entries together and pick our winner to get a slot on the front cover of Easton Way. The winner will also receive an IKON D3100 Digital SLR Camera for their efforts. So, get out there and get creative- whether it’s a high quality

smart phone image, a top of the range camera or an image caught on a disposable camera, we want to see them. Submission closes April 30. Send your entries in to us at:

theeastonway@hotmail.co.uk

To see extra content and get more involved, click here and visit our blog.

To have your say or send us info, drop us an e-mail.

Or, visit us on facebook and give us a like. Pokes welcome.