My Somerset Life

A diary by Brian Snellgrove

Bristol Harbour Festival – not for me

It must be said that Bristol is very good at putting on shows of all types; music, comedy,  balloon festivals, and the Harbor Festival that has grown to be one of the biggest in the country of its type. We thought we ought to go especially as the weather promised not to be too hot. In the event it was sticky and unpleasant, not by tropical standards for example India, Singapore or Sri Lanka but uncomfortable enough for me to seek the shade.

this custom has spread throughout Europe

Bristol itself is a young and lively town with many trendy pop-up eating establishments, a paradise for young people in my opinion but the problem I had today was the sheer numbers of folk. When you have to walk along a road in slow motion because of the crush,  where you can hardly see what is going on in the water or anywhere else because you cannot get close enough, then it ceases to be fun.

We went along to the gargantuan Za Za Bazaar restaurant which can house 1,000 diners. The noise level was high and I reckon there were about 500 people chomping their way through fairly standard food. Again I found I was unable to sit comfortably and enjoy my food because of the noise level as well as the coming and going. In the process of eating too fast, I suffered from digestion and after I left the restaurant I had to sit down.

Not ideal for a first date

lovely flowers amidst withered grass

Queens Square was devoted to food around the outside and children’s entertainment in the square itself and this is one where we left prematurely because it was physically impossible to walk along in front of the food stalls. I saw one or two other people do the same.

If you look at the whole thing, it was based on a huge number of people selling wares or services of various types, some entertainment in the water for example dog rescuing people and there were one or two old sailing ships punting up and down.

Maybe I’m getting old, but somehow I am fed up with crowds. I have to say that I think it was excellent for children, a wonderful day out for them, plenty of things to see and do and that’s absolutely wonderful because the whole thing was free and parents could relax.

I’m not a depressive type and I don’t think I got depressed today but I got downhearted and alienated from people who were wandering along in their hundreds in a rather alienated state looking for something to get excited about but in all honesty not finding it.

After about four hours I decided that I’d had enough and we made our way to the bus station to catch the wonderful double decker half hourly 376 bus service to Glastonbury and Street. Taking the bus in and out is the only way I can tolerate going to Bristol. We park in Farrington Gurney on the route.

*****

Today I turned down the garden job of some dimension. Fellow gardeners or anyone who is trading their services in one way or another might care to take note. I will not do a job unless I can see my way through from beginning to end. This means being happy with the customer, confident that we can do the job with or without help, and attending to any physical problems such as access.

It is very necessary to take instructions only from one person; in this case the couple clearly did not see eye to eye, and did not have the same attitude to the job. I smell a rat when one partner has to apologize for another.

The second problem was that the job involved a lot of clearing and high summer is not the time to do it. There are certain jobs that are better in autumn and winter when the greenery has died down and the job is much easier to do.

The third problem was the access. The job was in a very narrow road surrounded by old cottages and if you want to get in and out especially with a big Volvo you have to go backwards and forwards a few times.

The fourth problem was the weather. I don’t mind working hard but in 25° all 27° with high humidity it is very discomfiting and every 10 min. or so I have to rest.

I wrote to the customer saying that I could not assist them but I would consider the work in the winter and meanwhile they might want to get other quotes. Okay I was turning down money but I was also avoiding a lot of potential problems and there’s nothing worse than being stuck with a job that you’re not enjoying.

 

 

 



My Somerset Life

A diary by Brian Snellgrove

John Wesley – Bristol unhinged – another unexpected hug – Loving Vincent

Monday 17 October 1664

….Thence to my office doing some business, but it being very cold, I, for fear of getting cold, went early home to bed, my wife not being come home from my Lady Jemimah, with whom she hath been at a play and at Court to-day.

I wonder if was damp as well as cold. It was after all only October.

*****

well, that’s honest …only in Bristol…which is actually quite an edgy and cool city

yes, and…..?

In today’s special Bristol edition – visit to our buffet – visit the world’s oldest Methodist building – walking around a shopping mall – another unexpected hug – review of ‘Loving Vincent’ – the pianist in the bus station – drunk bus passengers on the 376

*****

Trivial matters first.

The all-you-can-eat buffet the Cosmo did not let us down. It is within reach of two art galleries and with easy connection to the centre of Bristol by many buses (unless you like climbing steep hills). I again remind newcomers to the buffet scene – the connoisseur will case the joint before selecting any food. The ratio of excellence between the starters including salad, the main courses and the sweet course will show you how much room you allocate to each. There is no need to rush and fill your plate with all manner of things at one go. Take your time and make several visits. The dirty plates are normally taken away whilst you visit the food.

depleted supplies – get there early

Bear in mind – the management do not want to waste food  and so do not plan on replenishing the lunch tureens much after 1.30 pm. The best idea is to get there about 12.30 – after the first rush and before the food supplies have become depleted otherwise your choice will be limited. This particularly applies to fish for some unknown reason.

*****

Edmund Burke 1729-1797

The centre of Bristol seems to be a permanent building site / road works. For the last three years the road system has been subject to one type of repair or renovation after another.
I did notice a rather fine sculpture of Edmund Burke, an MP for Bristol in 1774-1778. The words on the foundation stone ‘I wish to be a member of parliament to have my share of doing good and resisting evil’ were theoretically impressive and noble, but he had to answer charges that he neglected his constituency.

very impressed by the ‘in your face’ challenge to us about how we look at ‘different’ people

So on to the one and only John Wesley the founder of Methodism (don’t forget his brother Charles). The oldest Wesleyan church and building has had a massive renovation courtesy of some very generous philanthropists, and the National Lottery. What a shining example of good design which any gallerist(?) or exhibitor would benefit from visiting irrespective of their interest in religions.

the entrance 36 The Horsefair BS1 3JE 0117 926 4740 open 10.30 -4pm.  use Ctrl and + to enlarge

John Wesley on his famous horse (or one of them)

250,000 miles is scarcely believable but then are so many aspects of his life (enlarge to read)

the original chapel – benches were used. The pews are a recent addition.

Through the back behind the pulpit, an extra building has been constructed. It consists of meetings rooms (smaller), a bookshop, a small coffee bar, and an extension of the upstairs rooms which have been so cleverly converted into a top class quality museum. I am so frustrated at this point knowing what photographs to leave out, so for the majority you are just going to have to go along and see for yourself. but meanwhile here is a taster.

one of his most famous observations

I can’t remember the typeface but it is absolutely spot on. Traditional yet dynamic. By the way, did you know that the term ‘Methodism’ was originally a term of ridicule.

read on (enlarge to read)

an engraving

Visitors are offered a most up to date and ingenious way of using the recorded voice DIY Guide. You just point the device at the icon and it recognizes where you are and starts speaking. No numbers to press.

point and listen

an austere life to say the least. He seems blind. Maybe a blind trust in God.

an outstanding illustration of his productivity. You will have to go and see more.

not bad advice for today’s preachers

and some indication of the resistance that Methodism experienced in the USA.

and so say all of us…

This page is as long as any decent page should be so for part two, scroll up and click the entry above this one.



My Somerset Life

A diary by Brian Snellgrove

Slow to get the message – a colourful day trip to Bristol

Today’s the day when I must take my Volvo in for service. There is a noise like crickets chirping, and various  miscellaneous warning lights reprimanding me from the dashboard. There are times when I tend to be judgemental. Today was one of those times. I arrived to find a scene of some chaos and confusion. There was only one person at the service reception and she seemed to be having difficulty with finding my identity and my booking. All sorts of uncharitable thoughts  went through my mind about the decline of standards, and why can’t they employ more competent people, and she doesn’t seem to have received any training. All this was a complete waste of energy when I discovered later on that one of the two agents was on holiday, the other one was sick  and they had to draft in someone from another department to help out.

Anyway I dropped my car off and went on the bus to go to the centre of Bristol. This time I visited St. Mary Redcliffe Church, very famous and very popular with students so I understand. Anyway here are a few of my photographs with comments when I feel like it.

The theme of today’s photo shoot is “relating to the public”. It is important to draw people in and make them feel part of something and these photographs I  am going to show you do indeed represent this challenge and how it is dealt with. If you want to see details in bigger detail roll your mouse button or use control and +

There seems to be a fashion for huge flower arrangements in public places. This one is by Bristol Temple Meads station

what a truly lovely community idea

St Mary Redcliffe Church on a rather dull day it must be said

the welcome is a mark of a caring church

stained-glass windows often tell a story and it is worth studying them in some detail

lighting a candle and saying a prayer I believe resonates with something deep in most of us

what a lovely thoughtful prayer designed for everybody

this is an alter in the shape of a boat or ark which makes reference to the relationship of the history of the church to seagoing people

John Cabot who sailed to America from Bristol near this very spot

the last time I saw such a selection of keys was in Cologne. This habit has spread throughout Europe if not the world

an art installation called the Energy Tree

explanation

here follows a series of figures in one of the main squares of Bristol

is this a religious person or a money changer

lovely to see vegetables placed there I suspect to encourage people to grow their own

children learning workplaces are

lovely safe playing area. Children love splashing in water

an original antilitter campaign

Off I went to a buffet restaurant called Cosmos. It is in the art gallery district up the famous hill and by the University Church. This establishment is much favoured by students because for £7.95 you can have a very good selection of salads, sushi, soups, all types of currys, roasts and various Eastern foods, lovely cakes and various sweets. I arrived at midday when it opened and found that I was not the first one. There were already about 20 people waiting to be let in. It was quite clear who the boss was and he firmly and politely escorted people to their seating area. I watched him closely and he never became flustered and he was always polite to people. The waiters and waitresses were similarly smiling and polite.  My used plates were taken away invisibly while my back was turned.

From about 12:20 PM the whole place was full and I would say about 100 people were dining.  A 20 min bus ride took me to the Volvo showroom and after various technicalities which I won’t bore you with, mainly concerned with the wisdom of spending money on an older vehicle,  I sped home. The engineer, a Polish chap called Marin, had explained the problems in great detail leaving it quite clear to me where my choices lay. For many years now I have trusted Polish people because I find they are hard-working and give good value for money. I only hope that this Brexit business does not discourage them from coming.

Five o’clock was the time when I met the lady who had announced the demise of her art gallery. I met her in a pub, appropriately called “The Globe” accompanied by a charming male friend that she had invited along. She was very appreciative of the fact that I troubled to write back to her original letter so quickly. We had a very fruitful and mutually encouraging talk and her accent made me realise how much I missed South Africa – which I have visited about 20 times over the years. She was brought up in KwaZulu Natal province which is to the north-west of the country. South Africans are open, friendly and honest plus being tough as old rope and we spent a very joyous time together before I drove home in the rain.

The weather forecast augurs well for tomorrow and it better be good because we have to do some gardening work.

 

 



My Somerset Life

A diary by Brian Snellgrove

Hospital meeting – trendy Bristol – Syria film

Saturday 23 July 1664 in which Pepys has a fling and is ashamed of it

This was the day I had been waiting on albeit in a neutral state of mind when I hoped to move forward in my role as patients’ representative for the Bristol area group of hospitals. My enthusiasm can only last for a certain amount of time and in the last month or so it had waned considerably.

Patients for Quality Trauma Discharge are selected carefully based on a number of criteria: the severity and type of the injuries, the age of the patient, the ability to cope with insults in general were some of the factors. The hospital are trying to build up the quality of service not only with these people but with others who may need some type of ‘after sales service’. We were about 45 min into the conversation during which I heard what the criteria are for people being identified for special treatment and what literature they are provided with when suddenly I had my ‘eureka’ moment

When the trauma team representative said that they were having difficulty in building up a database of services in the regional area, my ears pricked up. whilst I was in London I researched and produced two books, one being the Homeless Directory for London and the second being an AIDS/HIV directory for London; all the services in the 29 boroughs were included. Confession:  I have somewhat of a ‘thing’ for assembling data and when they said they needed a regional directory of all services that trauma patients might require for Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire I realised that that this type of task was up my street and it is the sort of activity that I do well and efficiently.

I felt a great sense of peace at this point and felt that the purpose of the meeting had been achieved as in ‘we can all go home now’ which was just as well because my counterpart only had a one-hour meeting and it was ten to the hour when we made the discovery. I celebrated by going off to get a coffee and cake. Now I must find out how much this whole thing is going to cost me because I don’t think the hospital will pay for it though you never know. It will benefit them so maybe they should pay something

in the main reception area of Southmead Hospital

I then had a talk with my website manager on the phone. The construction of a relational database geared to hold up to say  1000 organisations over three counties would probably require about £2000. I don’t know whether I’m willing to spend this out of my own moneyso if I can get the hospitals to pay for it on the grounds that they will benefit then that is the direction I will take.

And now, off to the centre of Bristol where I’m going to see a film at the watershed. I love walking through certain areas of the city  as they are so laid-back, cool and trendy as the following pictures will illustrate.

large-scale graffiti

speaks for itself

a whole road junction transformed

original street art

heavy duty graffiti

political statement

an enterprising food outlet

And so to see the “city of ghosts” at the Watershed avant-garde cinema which I think is sponsored by Bristol Council. It was a close up and personal view of those who campaigned against Isis in Syria. The more cornered ISIS were the more brutal they became including public beheadings, shootings and hangings of people who were against Isis. We saw the whole scene through the proponents of an anti-Isis movement who eventually realised they had no choice for their own safety but to move to Turkey but when there realising that this was not safe and they eventually moved to Germany where they were relatively well looked after.

The problem was that ISIS followed them there and one of their number was killed in Munich. There was a focus on one particular freedom fighter whose father and brother was killed in the hope that he would give up the fight against ISIS but he vowed to stay on and fight at great personal cost to his nerves and his emotional stability.  The film is harrowing and we saw scenes of children of of eight years of age being trained to shoot people in the head We saw public shootings and people moving from refuge to refuge knowing that Isis were determined to kill them.

Syrian people, indeed Arabs in general, express themselves very warmly to each other and men hug and kiss other men in a very nurturing manner. Because I am so used to seeing violence and dreadful things it did not affect me very much but there were others in the audience who were moved to tears.

I left the movie and sauntered back to the bus station in the evening sunshine dressed only in a T-shirt. I popped into the nearest Tesco express and bought a very nice portion of diced chicken  in a lemon sauce which have been reduced to £.81 from £3.25 because it was the last day that it could be sold – the so-called best by date. I have always had my doubts about the meaning of ‘best by’ but never mind I had a lovely meal and felt satisfied. The bus from Bristol to Street in Somerset goes through lovely countryside and on the way I received through the open windows of the bus a glorious breeze of lavender from the adjacent fields. Oh to be in the country it is such a positive nurturing experience.

And so to home, watched the programme on the 20th anniversary of the death of Diana Princess of Wales and then to my office to write this diary.

 

 

 

 



My Somerset Life

A diary by Brian Snellgrove

business visit to Bristol

Sometimes, the only way to get to a location outside a city centre is by car and this includes Bristol which although it has a good transport system is quite large in extent and it can take you forever to get from A to B.

Mindful of the huge amount of time it took my wife to get to the city centre by bus during the rush hour I decided to set off early for the venue in North East Bristol but I did 18 miles in 45 min and thus arrived well before time. The roads were completely clear all the way.

The business meeting was in connection with the trauma project with which I am engaged in the North Bristol group of hospitals. My business contact was helpful, charming, gentle and most of all encouraging for the scheme that I had proposed. It is sad that in this day and age we sometimes have to steel ourselves for a negative attitude towards any idea we may have but in this case we were kindred spirits on the same wavelength. I told my lady contact that I only decided to go ahead with the project because I felt I could intuitively trust the first point of contact who was the leader of the particular trauma group. I realised how important trust is and how much I value it. I give a person many chances if they make mistakes but once the trust is gone it is gone and a person is place for ever in another category.

I know Jesus said “forgive them for they know not what they do” but I must admit in the day-to-day activity of life I’m not in that category. I have enough to deal with out without being hurt or taken advantage of. It is very comforting to know that there are some nice people left in the world and what a pleasure it is to do business with them or at least talk about doing business even if nothing comes to fruition.

Incidentally, on my way there I saw the most extraordinary street sign which I enclose for your entertainment. You can’t beat that for lack of romance with a road name.

I whizzed back home by lunchtime to find a message from National Express to my wife informing her of severe delays to the coach that I had booked to get to the Eurostar tomorrow. The letter did say we could rebook without penalty so I booked a bus that left an hour earlier so hopefully she will make it to the Eurostar in time. If the coach is delayed an hour, she will still make the train so it should not be too bad. The problem is that repair works are going to close parts of the M4 including J12-J13, Reading. I suppose it has to happen sometime. With the amount of potholes in the UK at the moment they should perhaps close the whole road system and give everyone a holiday while they do the repairs. Chance would be a fine thing.