Ward profiles 2021: Stoke Bishop – ‘We’re lucky to have so many green spaces’

Something residents of Stoke Bishop ward do particularly well is a mighty fine phone box feature.

From the miniature museum in Sea Mills to the ever-changing art piece on Julian Road in Sneyd Park – which has previously been a disco, flower display and ‘love box’ – volunteer-led efforts have transformed the pillar box red relics of the past into sources of joy, beauty and information.

These are just two features of a ward that boasts plenty of attractions, from the view at Sea Walls to Bristol University’s Botanic Garden to Roman ruins and a community café in what was once a toilet block – and perhaps the jewel in the crown, The Downs.

The phone box on Julian Road in Snyed Park has been a disco, flower display and ‘love box’

The Sea Mills 100 Museum is hosted in a former phone box

On a wet, blustery Wednesday morning, there is only a scattering of hardy runners and dog walkers making their way across the expanse of grass. But on a sunny weekend, people from across the city and beyond flock to the sought-after location with its spectacular views of the Avon Gorge, wildlife, tree-lined walkways and football pitches.

Just behind the water tower landmark, the tops of the Breaking Bread tipis can be spotted in the distance and people are wrapped up against the cold as they chat over coffees in the nearby Downs Café.

The benefits of having the green space on their doorstep is not lost on two Stoke Bishop residents, who are both members of a women’s cycling group.

“It’s a lovely area to live in – we’ve just been saying how lovely it is for walking,” says one of the women, who did not want to give their names.

“We need more cycle paths though and no parking on the pavement.” She adds that the junction down Druid Hill, opposite Glen Drive is particularly dangerous to cross, with vehicles speeding down the hill on either side.

Her friend says there is a strong community in Stoke Bishop, with people and local shopkeepers rallying to support each other and organise deliveries during lockdown.

She adds: “It’s lovely to see people out enjoying themselves now. We’re lucky to have so many green spaces.”

The Downs is on the doorstep for residents of Stoke Bishop and Sneyd Park

Covering Stoke Bishop, the Downs and Sneyd Park, the ward is another example of seemingly arbitrary borders cutting communities in half, with half of Sea Mills in Stoke Bishop while the rest is in Avonmouth.

It is an area where many are happy with their lot, with 96 per cent of residents saying they are satisfied with the area, according to Bristol City Council’s Quality of Life Survey, and fewer concerns about air pollution or congestion than the city average.

It is not without its issues though and the Stoke Lodge playing fields in the heart of the ward is the subject of a long-running battle over access between a resident-led campaign group and Cotham School.

The Cafe on the Square in Sea Mills acts as a much-loved hub for many in the community

Down the hill in Sea Mills, it is all smiles and laughter outside the Café on the Square as neighbours make the most of being able to meet for coffee – regardless of a few spots of rain.

“There was nothing before so to sit and have a coffee together is special,” says Jennifer Burston, referring to the community café – a church-led project run largely by volunteers – that opened in a former public toilet block.

Her friend and neighbour Margaret Griffiths says there is a strong community in Sea Mills, with many residents having lived in the area for many years.

Serving an array of cakes, coffees and sandwich options inside the café, Mike Lister agrees there is a strong community feel, especially around the café.

“There are also lots of green spaces,” says Mike, adding: “It will be interesting to see the impact of the clean air zone and how it affects traffic; we get a lot of through traffic, especially off the Portway.”

Foundations of a Roman building just off the Portway in Sea Mills – photo by Ellie Pipe

Stoke Bishop is currently represented by Conservative councillor John Goulandris, who is running for election again, and fellow Conservative Peter Abraham – who is standing down in May after more than five decades as a councillor. Henry Michallat will be running in his place.

Nwakasi Belisle-Nweke and Timothy Leaman are the Lib Dem challengers for the ward, while Luke Cox and Poppy Silk are running for the Greens. Labour candidates Mohamed Omer and James Wood are also contesting the ward, alongside Kyle Walker for the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition.

All photos by Ellie Pipe

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