Your say / Bristol Older People's Forum
‘Being an oldie in Bristol’
It’s is a pretty good city, but Bristol does have it’s problems. Now in my 70’s, I am fortunate that my health is good and I rarely have to wait weeks to see a doctor. Like everywhere in the UK we are suffering from the government austerity measures – staffing, public loos, libraries, resources for children – all, and more, being seriously cut.
I live on Ashley Road on the edge of Montpelier, very handy for walking into town or heading to the waterside. Buses in and out of town are regular but there is nothing to take me to the Downs.
Now I am retired, I still do the school runs for my grandchildren and am looking forward to the half term break! I am thinking about a little trip somewhere. We don’t have to go far to be in wonderful countryside.
is needed now More than ever
I do have some community commitments as a volunteer – I write for our local magazine, Vocalise, and now for Bristol24/7. I use my skills as a seamstress altering and repairing clothes, bags, tents – all sorts of stuff – at two Repair Cafes.
On the first Saturday of the month I am at All Saints Church in Fishponds and every third Saturday I am in the Cafe at St Paul’s Learning Centre on Grosvenor Road – both these events run between 10.30 am and 1pm. This commitment helps me feel part of the community (as do my occasional visits to the local pubs and cafes).
I have put in an old tin bath as a pond which the birds I feed love. My flowers keep the bees happy and I have discovered that they love my spring mass of blue forget-me-nots that self seed and provide useful nourishment while the insects wait for other flowers to bloom. My most treasured moments in Bristol are in my garden.
Hilary Finch is part of Bristol Older People’s Forum. Bristol24/7 have given their time to the organisation, leading workshops for those interested in journalism.
Read more: Help give a powerful voice to older people in the city
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