Winter 2010 - Shipshape Magazine Bristol

interview
Rosie and owner Jane
Salvidge (right) aboard
Bristol Ferry Boat HQ
What one thing could significantly
improve life around the Harbourside?
I can’t think of one big thing really – it’s hard
to complain about such a great environment.
I suppose I’ve always thought that St
Augustine’s Reach should be reopened and
extended to its original length, but I know
that’s never going to happen. Otherwise I
think they need to throw a bit more money
at rubbish clearance on the water. They’ve
got a cool little boat that comes and clears
flotsam away that’s floated down from upriver
or that’s gathered after big events – they need
to clone it. Oh, and fewer seagulls wouldn’t
go amiss either, or at least a better class of
seagull that ate fresh mackerel rather than
people’s burgers and so didn’t suffer ADHD
and anger management issues as a result.
“I think they need to throw a bit more
money at rubbish clearance on the water.
They’ve got a cool little boat that comes
and clears flotsam away that’s floated down
from upriver or that’s gathered after big
events – they need to clone it”
Are Harbourside workers a closeknit
bunch?
Yes, I’d say so. Everyone knows everyone out here
and if you don’t get a chance to meet during the
working day the likelihood is you’ll see them in
the pub in the evening. There are of course some
‘office politics’ with lots of businesses sharing
the same territory, but on the whole it’s a great
dynamic and we all try to help each other out.
How do you feel about the new-build
flats around the area?
It’s hard to be polite about some of the most
recent additions. I fear that in some instances the
Harbourside authorities may have fallen victim
to the plague of short-termism and mercenary
ends. I believe that, on the site of the present
Crest Nicholson flats, there was a plan for a
sort of Little Venice with extended waterways
reaching in among low-level housing. I think
in the long-term it would have been a far
more profitable venture, not only providing
good quality housing in a stunning setting but
also bringing more tourism to Bristol.
What about the M Shed?
I know there’s been a lot of controversy over
the amount of money they’ve spent on this
project but I give it my full backing. It will be
a great new attraction for the Harbourside,
bringing more people down to the water who
mightn’t otherwise have come, and because
it’s free anyone and everyone will be able to come
and learn more about Bristol’s fascinating history.
I’m particularly excited by the focus
on people’s stories they’ve taken on
this new museum – I can’t wait!
Why do you love the Harbourside so much?
Wow, what a question – loads of things. The
sky! There’s so much sky around here, above
you and below you reflected in the water, so
despite being in the middle of the city you
never feel enclosed. I also love the way it
changes over time, through the ebb
and flow of the day and the seasons
of the year. The light and immense
peace first thing in the morning when
the water’s like glass is unbeatable,
even the way the raindrops hit the
surface of the water in heavy storms
is something I’d miss if I got a proper
job. When you work indoors you lose
contact with all this stuff but out here
you can’t miss it, you’re part of it. s
twenty-three