People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Alun Davies
Alun Davies is the chair of Bristol’s newly formed Disability Equality Commission, which aims to improve the lives and opportunities of all disabled people in the city.
Alun, who is also the engagement manager for Bristol Sight Loss Council, has been totally blind since losing his sight at 14.
He has worked for the public and the community and voluntary sector, served on a number of voluntary sector management bodies, been a city councillor, a non-executive on a health board, and chaired the disability committee of the Equalities & Human Rights Commission.
These are Alun’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Arnos Vale Cemetery
Originally built in 1839, the Anglican Chapel at Arnos Vale Cemetery is now an event space – photo: Martin Booth
“I love Arnos Vale Cemetery because of its history. It has the original gates made in 1837, and is still open largely due to a campaign of real perseverance and dedication. It is also where my 11-year old daughter is buried.”
Snuff Mills
Snuff Mills is a wonderful wooded valley with easy riverside walks along the Frome – photo: Martin Booth
“Snuff Mills is a lovely walk and part of Bristol’s industrial heritage. It also has one of the most amazing sound spectacles I have come across as a blind person with the sound of water suddenly appearing out of now where as if it is on both sides of you but only actually on one side.”
St George’s
St George’s is reputed to have one of the finest acoustics of any concert hall in the world – credit: Martin Booth
“Music is one of my loves and I’ve been to many great concerts here at St George’s. It has one of the best acoustics in the country for classical music.”
North Street
Souk Kitchen on North Street promises a menu prepared with passion and packed with flavour – photo: Martin Booth
“I’m a great believer in supporting small shops and local providers, and you get all of that on North Street. Plus, it has one of my favourite eating places in Souk Kitchen.”
The Pump House
The Pump House is housed in a former Victorian pumping station – photo: Martin Booth
“Yes, the Pump House is in a great location in Hotwells, but most importantly for me it has the best cooking in Bristol under owner and head chef Toby Gritten. Every time I have eaten there – and there have been many – he hasn’t disappointed.”
Main photo: Alun Davies
Read more: Guide Dogs urge council to ‘act now’ and allow e-scooters to be parked on roads
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