Aunties of Easton

It has been an honour and privilege to work on this women-focused, public art project in the BS5 area. I received 120 nominations for women who live, work or worship in BS5. Reading every nomination was heart warming – there are so many stellar women creating positive change and action. 

I approached a number of women about being featured in a set of portraits or hand focused images. My favourite part of the project was sitting with each of these women and talking about their lives and interests – they are all genuinely inspirational people. From these conversations I’ve made 4 images to be displayed on Stapleton Road. I have called them the ‘Aunties of Easton’ as each woman is deep rooted in her community, which cuts across all ages and backgrounds. The positive efforts of all four women help empower others. 

 

It has been very important that all women consented to their image being used. Understandably there were some amazing women nominated who did not want the spotlight shone on them, so the images I’ve created shows only a fraction of the women who contribute to the wonderfully diverse community that is BS5. A community that is richer for its diversity.

The artwork is made from salvaged billboard posters – which I collage and stitch into layered images.

All 120 nominations will be tufted into a textile map of the city, called ‘Women's Threads of Bristol’. This project is ongoing and covers the whole of Bristol. To nominate someone please go to zoegibbons.com and scroll down to the Women’s Mapping Project, where there is a quick form to fill in. To be eligible a woman just needs to have made a positive difference. This could be wider, like starting a community group; or more personal, like caring for a neighbour or relative. All are equally relevant.

During the current atmosphere of uncertainty and conflict I think that it’s important to remember that local positive action can benefit us all, across our local communities. Focusing on this gives me hope for the future.

 

Below are details of the four ‘Aunties of Easton’ who are featured on flags displayed along Stapleton Road.

 

Lesley Wynn

She has recently retired, being the soul behind St Marks Community Café for 14 years, an amazing mother figure to weary families, homeless individuals and open hearted to all. She was very much at the heart of the church and mosque collaboration on St Marks Rd and remains a true inspiration to anyone who meets her.

Lesley’s comment:

"I am passionate about people, and I want the best for them!

When St Mark's Baptist Church had a Vision to open a Cafe in Easton that would make a difference, my heart sang!  A place where everyone is welcome, served without judgement; offering good quality home cooked, healthy food at very affordable prices. and if you cannot pay, you have a meal of your choice for free!  A unique Cafe, served by volunteers from all walks of life who are encouraged to reach their full potential.  (Sept 2009- Sept 2023)

With the Cafe closing, its been confirmed to me that "Volunteering roles for people with additional needs" are so difficult to find.  I would love to see this change, our Cafe was inclusive and diverse  and so much richer because of the team of volunteers. All brought their gifts and abilities!

Zoe’s comment:

“Lesley was the first woman that I sat down with, for a conversation about the project – she was immediate warm, engaged and supportive. She is so open and enthusiastic and the energy that she has given to St Marks Community Café is appreciated by so many people that I have come across during this project. I wish her the very best in her retirement but suspect she will still be very busy and giving!”

 

Anndeloris Chacon

Anndeloris is a Registered Nurse and CEO of Bristol Black Carers. She is a lady of vision with a passion for helping others to find their own power.

 Anndeloris took on the role to lead Bristol Black Carers because she believed that this was a needed service for the community. She has been recognised as a champion for the community and has received many awards. The most prestigious award received was in October 2023, the British Empire Medal - BEM from His Majesty King Charles III.

Her work in the community cuts across different age groups and backgrounds. Working with the communities to have a better understanding of how to maintain and improve their health and social wellbeing holistically. 

Her pitch is “Your Health is Your Wealth and Only You Can Spend It.” 

She is an author and the name of the book of poems is called “Listen” and she has given it this meaning ‘Look Inside Silently To Experience Nurture’.

Above all she is a pillar of the community and a warm, welcoming, wonderful woman. 

Anndeloris’ comment:

“I lived in Easton for almost 2yrs. 

Now, as CEO of Bristol Black Carers, I support Carers and their families in Easton. Providing support, guidance, information, advice, and advocacy to the community to help our service users gain access to the relevant services to address their needs/issues which are priorities in their lives. Their smiles and thank you, keeps the joy flowing in me to continue providing these services. ”

Zoe’s comment:

“I enjoyed our conversation immensely. Anndeloris gives you her full attention, her gentle humour and caring manner immediate sets you at ease. We covered so many topics during our chat together and I came away feeling that I had met someone with depth and integrity. Her passion for empowering others is very evident and we are fortunate to have someone who has contributed so much to Bristol over the years”

 

Shebanu Azad

A true pillar of the community. She came to Bristol from Kenya in mid 70's as an educated English Speaking South Asian women. She opened a shop on Stapleton road which she ran with her husband. She always had an open door policy at home and at the shop where she has helped individuals and families in so many way ways .She speaks many languages and has always been equal and fair to all. The endless list of her commitment to the community is endless. But a few examples include this work continues at the age of 78. Supporting families and individuals with filling out forms ,giving advice guidance/ counselling, offering her house as free temporary accommodation, giving careers advice, supporting in empowering women in many ways.

Aunty Banu’s comment:

“I have tried to help anybody that I can over the years. In the shop that I ran with my family, I had many customers that came from all backgrounds and cultures and I always took them as a member of the family and tried to help people. I ran the shop for over 20 years and loved serving the community. It’s a pleasure to be called Aunty Banu by people in my community. It’s a great honour.”

Zoe’s comment:

“I was invited into Shebanu’s house, offered food and felt very welcome. Aunty Banu (as everyone calls her) has had such an interesting life! We talked for hours and the time passed so quickly. During my visit people were coming and going – whether it be with donations for aid that she sends abroad, or for a chat – I felt she is truly centred in the community around her and shows generosity, warmth and compassion to everyone she meets. On Auntie Banu’s top I have put a rose flower to represent her neighbour, Mary, who works tirelessly in gardens in the area, and plants flowers everywhere making the area look beautiful.

Witnessing the affection that these two women have for each other, bridging across cultures, was one of the highlights of this project. If we could all show the same tolerance and generosity to others, the world would be a much better place for all.”

 

Sadaga (Azza Mustafa)

Azza has tirelessly run Sadaga for over 5 years. Sadaga is a group of Arabic speaking women who meet regularly to connect with each other, the community and share their stories.

Azza’s comment:

“Welcome to Sadaga, a thriving community organisation catering to Arabic-speaking women, located in the Easton Family Centre. Every Friday, we provide essential safe spaces for women to share experiences and learn, fostering a thriving network to encourage healing and growth.

Our services at the Sadaga Group are designed to combat social isolaton, offering support to Bristol's diverse BME and Arabic community. We encourage skill development and participation in community activities to help women feel a sense of belonging: supporting women and building a community.”

Zoe’s comment:

“Understandably, Azza does not want the spotlight shone on her alone so I have created a piece that reflects the group – based on an embroidery group that Sadaga offers. We talked about the work that Sadaga does to mutually support each other through creative and community activities. I thought that an Acacia tree, also known as the Umbrella tree, was a lovely symbol to use as it represents growth and connection. Most of the women attending Sadaga come from Arabic speaking countries in which this tree naturally grows.

Women who were shortlisted and I want to acknowledge:

Sarah Pugh - founding director of Shift Bristol and lead tutor and facilitator on the practical sustainability course. An expert in Permaculture. She died in 2022 after a two year journey with brain cancer.

Ellen King - Headteacher of first and still going nursery school in St Judes. She was an orphan and an adventurer and educationalist. Way ahead of her time (1896-1968)

Mary - She has been working hard in the community doing gardening for over 30 years. However, she has always gone above and beyond in her community work. You will always see her brushing the streets of Easton ang cleaning up areas. She plants flowers everywhere and makes the area look beautiful. She often goes to visit some elderly and cooks and cleans for them on a weekly basis free of charge.

Obah Ali (Somali Kitchen)- She is an amazing community worker engaging women in any way she can. Somali kitchen is an organisation run by Somali women for women from migrant backgrounds living in Bristol. They use food and education as starting points to build confidence and combat isolation.

Rani Kaur and her mother Bibi Puran Kaur, Rani was nominated because of her passion to support and give to others freely. She works for the Sikh community at Easton Community Centre and at the Sikh temple. Her mother, Bibi, was welcoming to others, gave a lot within her community and was involved with the early establishment of gurdwaras in Bristol. She recently passed, after a long and eventful life.