Southmead's Bethany Church arts and crafts exhibition

...On Wednesday, I fought through the rain to Bethany's art and craft exhibition in Southmead; it featured the work of local artists and cards were on sale, personalised while you wait.

Afterwards, the church put on a superbly organised sit-down-tea for just £1, with sandwiches and a huge selection of cakes. The hall was packed out, and the organisers worked incredibly hard to make sure we were all topped up with tea.

The exhibition was held to raise money for the children's hospice, and as well as providing an superb afternoon out, particularly for many elderly residents in the area, the afternoon also raised £150 for charity. An afternoon well spent!

Shirehampton Hall Celebrates Vaughan Williams

Bristol North West is full of more literary and cultural history than you might first think; Sea Mills was mentioned in John Betjeman's poetry, and Vaughan William's masterpiece "The Lark Ascending" had its debut in Shirehampton Village Hall on 15th December 1920.

On Wednesday, however, Shirehampton broke its habit of extreme modesty about such things and held a celebration of "The Lark Ascending" debut. There was the unveiling of the plaque by Em Marshall , founder of the English Music Festival and Chair of the Ralph Vaughan Williams Society, in the morning, seen here - and a booked out concert in the evening.

It was a delight to see Shirehampton Hall celebrating its historic past in such lively form; and a big congratulations must go to all those who spent so long in organising and planning this superb event.

Henbury Fun-day: What it says on the tin, plus.

They say a picture speaks a thousand words, so here's a several-thousand-word equivalent on Henbury Fun Day, which took place on Saturday.

It was informative, helpful as well as fun - The fire brigade were there, as were Transition Henbury, Henbury pupils cooking up some delicious and healthy dishes, as well as technicolour beards, name the marrow contests, and much more. I also got the chance to catch up with the police to discuss progress on tackling youth crime. Although thankfully, there was no hint of anything but universal good spirits on the Fun-day. Thanks and well done to all involved.