The Bristol harbourside. Even as a born and bred Bristolian, I still find myself gravitating towards the familiar sights of the homely canal boats and the gentle sounds of fellow Bristolians pitter pattering, going about their daily business. I am still caught in moments of awe on a crisp, sunny, hazy morning when the river twinkles as if to stay hello, and the sky is of the most dreamy blue, that I feel I could be swept up into it.
I have taken many a fellow student from the comfort of the univeristy bubble down to the harbourside to share with them the delights of my home. Every time, it still astounds me how little people know about, what I believe to be the most beautiful and un-ruined part of Bristol. For this reason I am going to self-indulge and share with you all, the gems of Bristol Harobourside...
Bristol Harbourside
1. The Arnolfini
All sorts goes on down here, art, theatre, films and it also houses an extensive book and magazine collection. Keep an eye on the website for details of events and exhibitions.
2. The Watershed
I have already given the Watershed a heads up in a previous post but it is worth mentioning again. Truly, it is the best place to watch a film. As much as it is a place to go to with a group of people, there is something fairly satisfying about popping along to one of their midday sunday screenings and watching a film in your own company for an afternoon.
3. M-Shed
Celebrating the story of Bristol, from the glitzy heights of Clifton, to the furthest 'burbs. The main part is free of charge but they also do temporary exhibitions. At the moment the exhibition 'Real and Imagined Lives: what is fact, what is fiction?' is showing, featuring a rather solemn looking Stephen Merchant....
4. SS Great Britain
Fun, in a word. This is further down the river and is the home of Brunel's SS Great Britain, as well as the most friendliest people you will ever meet. You can easily make a day of it down there, whether it is pretending to be a captain for the whole day or losing yourself in the fascinating collection documenting the history of this magnificent ship.
The SS Great Britain
5. Weekend Market
It is fairly easy to be distracted by the numerous items on display at this market. I am particularly fond of a book stall run by a man named Keith I got chatting to the other week, who sells boxes upon boxes of books ranging from Steinbeck to Hemingway, and all at very good prices. I picked up a 1960s vintage John Steinbeck title for a mere £4. A must visit, for the reader who loves their books to have a bit of history indented into the pages.
6. The Ferry Services
If you are a bit stuck for time, the cross ferry service runs daily, taking you briskly over to the other side of the river. There are also specialised boat tours, showing you the best of what Bristol has to offer. There are plenty of leaflets down by the harbour (near the SS Great Britain) with listings of various trips. A good one to keep in mind when the parents happy when they come to visit.
7. Under the Stars
A cafe/bar that is as beautiful as it sounds. They certainly try to pack in a lot over the week: friday open mic nights, film showings every wednesday and great food and drink too. Marvellous!
8. The Louisianna
Many a successful band has started their days of touring in this small music venue. It is also a great place to catch some local music and mix with some locals.
9. The Apple Cider Bar
You are not an initiated student at Bristol until you have sampled some proper Bristol cider. This is the place to do it.
10. Thekla
After that you can move a little bit down the river to Thekla, the club on a boat, marked with one of Banksy's famous images. It is also another great place to catch some live music. Their webite has all the details you need.
That is just a taste of what this great city has to offer. PLEASE give these places a visit and let the Helicon team know what you think....You can comment on any of these blogs and it would be great to get some feedback from you all about what you think of our posts.
A.P
ReplyDeleteFRAMAR PROJECT
2015
165447 FRAMAR Built-in 1937
*(.SAVE THE FRAMAR LONDON. )
James Taylor. Chertsey Surrey London. Captain FP Marshall.in the
War F P l Lieutenant-Colonel F. P. Marshall, 1944 OBE,3rd Bn. Surrey Home Guard
Member of Hayling Island sailing Club & Old Carthusian Yacht Club. 1939 Lord Baden Powell was still Commodore. This club was for those who went to Charter House School. This indicates FRAMAR was based on the Solent Chichester Harbour
before the war. Jerry Lewis from Dunkirk Little Ships has undertaken
Research which Confirms;
that FRAMAR was Commandeered in January 1940 and in 1943.was part of the North Athletic command .Motor Launch. Military Intelligence .Special Ops.probably. Ion Fleming .Buster Carbb.Forgman . This story is still developing.
Pearls of Wisdom
Passing on their pearls of wisdom
Part in a heritage tourism training workshop Environmental River & Railway Coastal Heritage . While older people have lots of knowledge and stories to share about the Life's pasting Knowledge on to younger People the learning heritage to Inform, Educate, Empower.
v FRAMAR is registered with the Natural historical ship LONDON
.I hope to ues this Historic Boat as a Floating Museum.we are a small group at the moment. We have no funds left I won't to ues the Project as a not for profits. But to engage young people. To run this project.Enraging painting carpinters. Filmmakers electronses ect.early in the year we was Vandalized. We have to raise money to reper the FRAMAR. I am not looking for profits but to share it
With the public. I have a terminal illness. But hope to see this Historic
Old boat. Saved as a Attraction to inform and teach. Also ues it With older people passing on their nolige. Hope you can help if not pass it on to someone that can.