Vinny Green is one of the authors of The Dictionary of Bristle. Now in the year of its tenth anniversary, a fourth edition has just been released with a completely revised, updated, and expanded dictionary, a handy phrasebook section and a new Bristolian Citizenship Test.
Here are Vinny’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Soundwell Baths (Kingswood Leisure Centre)
“Long before Tom Daley made diving fashionable the kids of East Bristol were already throwing themselves off the high diving boards at this Kingswood institution (albeit, with the skill and grace of a falling boulder). With a deep end depth of 12″ 6′, and a top board so high planes passed underneath (well it felt like that at the age of nine) this really was the best pool in Bristol, if not the world. Forget a swan breaking your arm with a peck – a belly flop off top board could split your stomach open and immediately close the pool as the life guards attempted to recover your vital organs from the deep end. The pool is still going strong and is hopefully fostering the next generation of Olympic divers or Frenchay casualty patients.”
Bristol Hippodrome
“Having lived in Bristol all my life going to the Bristol Hippodrome still seems like a big deal and a real treat. From visits to the pantomime as a child (whatever happened to the illuminated sign?) to later excursions to see the big London shows and touring comics I am always left in awe at the interior of the place and in shock at the ice cream prices. My uncle once got to meet Laurel and Hardy at the stage door and got their autographs. Me, I was stuck with The Crankies and Jim Flipping Davidson.”
The Downs
“Just a few minutes from the city centre and you are at the wide open green space that is the Downs. A great place to play sport, sunbathe, fly a kite or just park your backside on a park bench at the Sea Walls and enjoy the unrivalled views across the Gorge. Just make sure you leave before it gets dark!”
Empire Sports Club
“Tucked away in Newfoundland Road on the side of the M32 this gym has produced world champion boxers, Olympic weightlifters and was even the training base of the Dark Lord himself, Mr Darth Vader (well, Dave Prowse the actor who played him). Den Welch MBE ran the gym for many years before he sadly passed away. The spirit of the gym has continued through Andy, the current owner.”
Oldbury Court Estate (below)
“On a hot summer’s day this place is just heaven with just about something for everyone. There is a large play area that will keep the kids amused for hours and plenty of grass to enjoy a picnic or game of footie. For the nature lovers there’s a lovely walk to Snuff Mills and refreshments at the little cafe. You can venture even further and follow the path right through to Eastville Park. However, a word of warning, at this point you and the family will be in Eastville but your car will be parked in Fishponds.”
