Bristol Bites: A school of thought

Bristol has a well-earned reputation for academic excellence – not just in Britain but around the world. Academic excellence is matched by social and cultural attractions that persuade the brightest brains to flock to this fine city (some never to leave).

Blessed with two superb universities, Bristol is something of a production line for the nation’s future innovators, creators and thinkers. It certainly gives the Oxbridge elite a run for their money. But the classicists and computer whizz kids are only a small section of the broader Bristolian educational landscape.

School attendance in the city has emerged as a problem. Persistent absences in Bristol are above the national average (scroll down to our Databox for more details).

The key word is “persistent” (and it’s not a word conjured up by a clown from Reform, it’s the term used by the Office for National Statistics). The odd bit of truancy (guilty as charged – I bunked off to be an extra in a Queen video once) used to result in a mild ticking off. But this is different.

The most shocking stat is that 42% of Bristol pupils eligible for free school meals are persistently absent from school, compared with a national average of 34%. Clearly, poorer households are most affected by the problem. Kids who miss that amount of education cannot possibly hope to pass exams and go on to college or apprenticeships.

The knock-on effects are profound. Poor education can (and does) lead to poorer health outcomes, alongside social anxiety and anger. Crime and, therefore, punishment loom large for those who do not receive a decent schooling. The prospect of gainful employment recedes into the distance for too many of our young people.

To borrow from The Who, “The Kids Are Alright.” We as citizens, together with our dedicated public officials, need to work hard to make sure the kids – our future – really are alright. That starts with them going to school. Belly full of brekkie, smile on face.

• As the late, great David Bowie once sang: “Fashion! Turn to the left. Fashion! Turn to the right.” And those were the lyrics that sprang to mind as this shabbily dressed correspondent was privileged enough to attend the official launch of Smart Works Bristol at the Bristol Old Vic’s Cooper’s Hall last night. Glamour and goodwill sewn together in a wonderful cause.

Smart Works is the charity that helps unemployed women into work by decking them out in high quality clothing and providing them with expert coaching to guide them through potentially daunting job interviews with confidence. Smart Works aims to help 1,000 Bristolian women into employment each year – a challenging target but one that, judging by the enthusiasm of last night’s attendees, is achievable.

Imogen “Imy” Franklin masterminded the event. Imy and her Bristol team are already working wonders from their new Easton HQ. They are now on a quest to attract £100,000 in donations to trigger match funding from a trust with strong links to the West Country. Last night’s launch is projected to have raised around £3,000. But more is needed. So, those of you with long arms and short pockets, please dig deep. https://.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/smart-works-bristol-launch

Smart Works also wants to work with Bristol fashion retailers to secure clothing donations that will support the charity’s endeavours. Click on the link below for more information. 

Meanwhile, I think I might iron my shirt today. The journey from shabby to smart begins now. Or maybe just after lunch.

https://bristol.smartworks.org.uk/

Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief

Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…

as chosen by our editors

Bristol Bears

Wow! What a match away to Gloucester last Friday night. The Bears have an injury list longer than a mildly irritating eight-year-old’s letter to Santa. They are bloodied and bruised – but they remain brilliant, bold and, above all, brave. So it proved at Kingsholm, where a sell-out crowd witnessed a bonkers 49-34 Bears win over the Cherry and Whites.

Young Sam Worsley, playing superbly at fly-half, was the star of the show. The 22-year-old scored an excellent try after five minutes and went on to slot a perfect seven out of seven conversions. A 19-point personal haul which made the difference.

Worsley also speaks well. His first words in a post-match interview were to pay tribute to Gloucester’s performance and then pass credit for the victory onto his teammates. Sam, you were Man of the Match by a West Country mile. A courteous young fellow and a cracking player.

Plaudits to Bears coach Pat Lam for marshalling his depleted forces with acuity and aplomb. Lam is the man.

Next up for Bristol? A daunting, if short, trip to tackle arch rivals Bath at the Rec tomorrow (3.05pm). Another day, another derby. The Bears will need to growl and roar. And then roar some more.

Bristol City

A gritty performance by City on Saturday saw the Robins claim a 0-1 victory away to Norwich. A precious three points secured that saw City shoot back up the Championship table and into the play off places. Mark Sykes scored the winner at Carrow Road.

Then things got even better for City. The Robins beat Southampton 3-1 at Ashton Gate on Tuesday night in front of a fantastic (and ecstatic) crowd of more than 24,200. The Saints went ahead in the 30^th minute – a lead that lasted just three minutes thanks to Anis Mehmeti’s equaliser. Thereafter, it was the Scott Twine show. He bagged a second half brace to secure victory and fourth place in the table.

A puncher’s chance of promotion to the Premier League? (Wishful thinking, I know).

Next up for the Robins are Birmingham City at Ashton Gate tomorrow (3pm). The Blues of Brum have taken time to acclimatise to life in the Championship, but they are no mugs. Our men in red need to be on their game – as do the Gate faithful.

Bristol Rovers

Oh dear. The Pirates slumped to an embarrassing 1-4 home defeat at the Mem against Tranmere on Saturday. The Merseysiders are below Rovers in the League 2 table and, therefore, not very good. It’s struggling Crawley away tomorrow at 3pm for the Pirates. Three points would be appreciated. Dropping out of League 2 would be a footballing nightmare for Rovers. They are OK-ish at the moment, but the Pirates need to find a vein of form in the run up to Christmas.

Park Run Bristol

Park Run has established itself as something of a national institution. Up and down the country, runners (and a few walkers) get their legs and chests pumping every weekend. Good for the heart, good for the soul.

Bristol is no exception. Our city offers not one but three Park Runs:

• Ashton Court

Location: Ashton Court Estate

Course: An out-and-back route with a significant uphill section followed by a downhill return

• Eastville

Location: Eastville Park

Course: Three laps with a mix of gradual inclines and a few steeper hills

• Three Brooks

Location: Bradley Stoke at Three Brooks Lake

Course: A mostly flat two-lap out-and-back course

Park Runs are 5k in distance and free to join every Saturday at 9am (but you must register online before your first run to get a scannable barcode to record your time). Each of the above runs has a website that provides further information. Check out www.parkrun.org and find the run for you.

Pop on your trainers and get a shift on.

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