People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Marcus Smith
Marcus Smith is a content creator who has partnered with Bristol24/7 to make a new local oral history podcast, 12 Communities 1 Bristol, whose first episode is broadcast next week.
The series has been created by Marcus with more than 40 volunteers and students from across the city in partnership with BCfm, Bristol Museums, Bristol Archives and UWE Bristol, with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Each of the 12 episodes will focus on a different Bristol neighbourhood: Barton Hill, Knowle West, Lawrence Weston, Easton, Fishponds, Hartcliffe, St George, Hillfields, Southmead, Eastville, Stockwood and Avonmouth.
is needed now More than ever
These are Marcus’ top-five Bristol favourites:
Easton Community Centre
Easton Community Centre is home to many local organisations – photo by Ellie Pipe
“Easton Community Centre is the spiritual home of BCfm and other incredible local charities and businesses, such as Cafe Des Amis, Eastside Community Trust and Raised in Easton Nursery, as well as Easton Community Choir who feature in the Easton episode of the podcast.”
Dundry Hill
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBAu2arDBvu/
“Dundry Hill has panoramic views over Bristol. I grew up not too far away, on the other side of Hengrove Park in Whitchurch. As a child, I remember going up the hill to light fires and generally mess around with mates.
The Plough
The Plough in Easton has recently launched a takeaway service – photo by Yvonne Deeney
“The Plough is at the heart of Easton. In my opinion, the Plough is not just one of the best pubs in Bristol but is one of the best pubs in the country. Lockdown has been tough on pubs and the hospitality sector in general, so let’s us continue to eat (drink) out to help out.”
Kings Weston House
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEuR43UBY4o/
“Kings Weston House is a hidden Bristol gem features heavily in the Lawrence Weston episode of the podcast. I filmed an award-winning film short there as a teenager, and there is a really nice little cafe for tea or coffee and cake. Great views of Avonmouth docks too!”
Troopers Hill
Troopers Hill contains a fascinating mix of history, wild plants and animals – photo by Rob Acton-Campbell
“Another hill but in a different part of the city. During lockdown, Troopers Hill was a such an important sanctuary for me with its open and green spaces. At the bottom of the hill, there is a river where you can go wild swimming, if you really wanted to.”
Main photo: Marcus Smith
Read more: New guidebook set to explore Bristol’s hidden corners
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