FAQ
ACCESS ONLINE
I have Registered at the log-in site, but it won’t let me access the Auditorium.
That’s because the form asks you to wait 24+ hours for our back-office to process you. Root & Branch are all volunteers, and working as fast as we can. We appreciate your patience!
FOR IN PERSON ATTENDANCE
ACCESS
Is there disabled access in the centre?
Yes.
Are there disabled toilets in the centre?
Yes.
How far is it to walk from the station to the centre?
It is a couple of minutes’ walk and there are no big roads to cross.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Will it be possible to ask questions of speakers?
Because we have such rich array of speakers, there won’t be time to ask questions of all them. However, there will be certain sessions where Q&A is a scheduled part of the programme.
Those joining via the internet will be typing their questions into the chat function.
BRISTOL TEXT TO REFORM
Will I be sent a copy of this after the event?
Please register on the website using the contact form in order to join our mailing list and receive the Bristol Text for Reform
Car parking at the centre
There are parking spaces for disabled drivers right outside the building. There is some on-street parking available in Stoke Gifford and there are hundreds of pay-and-display spaces in the station car park just around the corner.
CHILDREN
Are children welcome? If not, what is the minimum age?
We don’t think the auditorium is the place for children (with the exception of small babies).
There will be a children and parents’ room with toys where parents can watch the synod live on a screen in the room whilst personally supervising their children. Please let us know if you’re hoping to bring children so that we can keep an eye on numbers.
CONTACT
Is there a number to call on the day if I run into difficulties?
Yes, this will be sent out to all ticket holders nearer the day.
COVID
In accordance with Covid regulations in England, audience members will not be required to show a negative test, or proof of double vaccination, before attending. However we want everyone to be safe, and to feel safe. The air-circulation in the main auditorium is state-of-the-art, and there are additional doors and windows that can be opened. We have reduced our audience capacity to 250 max (as opposed to the normal capacity of 450).
We will ask you to wear a mask when in the auditorium (unless speaking from the stage) to sit in your ‘bubbles’, and stewards will advise how many chairs to leave between bubbles. In the lunch hall where you can remove your masks to eat, we’ll ask you to sit at tables of 6, and these tables will be decently spaced. There is good ventilation also in this room. However you can always take your ‘packed lunch’ outside onto the green if you prefer (if the weather is fine).
If there is a new government lockdown due to Covid and my live participation is cancelled, will I get a full ticket refund?
On the ticket sales platform we say clearly that in the unlikely event of cancellation of the live event we would ask you not to seek a ticket refund, but to join us via the website. Your ticket will allow you to do that automatically.
Will R&B insure me against cancellation (on hotel and train tickets) if the government imposes new Covid restrictions at the last minute?
R&B is a group of volunteers who are doing our best to provide a forum for people who care about the future of the Catholic Church. We will have offered our services for 18 months without payment. All R&B Synod costs are met by donations and ticket sales. And so, no, there will be no refund or insurance for any losses caused by new lockdown legislation. The hotels, however, will refund tickets in the event of total lockdown.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS (see food)
DIRECTIONS (see Transport)
DISABILITIES
Is there a hearing loop in the centre?
Yes. Please sit on the right side of the auditorium
Is there disabled access in the centre?
Yes.
How close is the entrance to where a car can drop me off?
There are parking spaces for disabled drivers right outside the building.
Are there disabled toilets in the centre?
Yes.
How far is it to walk from the station to the centre?
A couple of minutes’ walk with no big roads to cross.
I am visually impaired can I get the programme printed in font 16?
Yes, it would help us to know how many people would like this. Please email events@rootandbranchsynod.org and put LARGE FONT PROGRAMME in the subject heading.
ENVIRONMENT
What are you doing to minimise the carbon footprint of the Synod?
Thanks to people getting accustomed to participating via the internet we are pleased to say that most of our international speakers are not travelling to the UK. The vast majority of our audience is also not travelling.
FILMING (see Photography)
FIRST AID
Does the centre have a First Aider on call?
Yes.
FOOD
It says lunches are included. What can I expect? Will there be vegetarian or vegan options?
Since the lunches are included in the price we have opted for very simple food.
Both days:
A selection of Finger Sandwiches (including Meat and Vegetarian fillings), individual assorted crisps, a piece of fruit, and a doughnut.
Tuesday 31 August is the cut-off date for us giving numbers to the caterers. If you book after this date please email us on events@rootandbranchsynod.org so that we can bring additional food along ourselves!
Where will lunches be served?
In the Lower Hall.
Where will the coffees and teas be served? Will there be decaf options?
In the Lower Hall. Yes there will be decaf options.
If I have allergies how do I submit my dietary requirements? Can I bring my own food and drink?
GF and dairy-free options can be catered for, but please email us on events@rootandbranchsynod.org so that we can be sure the caterers provide enough GF food. If you have other allergies such as to nuts, please bring your own food.
If I bring my own food and drink do I get a discount?
Unfortunately it is not possible to issue discounts in this situation and so we hope you will see this as a donation to the cause. The tickets are heavily subsidised and meals and refreshments cost us £20 per head.
Is food and drink allowed in the auditorium?
No
HOTELS - HOLIDAY INN, FILTON RD
How do I book with the hotel to get the rate quoted?
Please ensure that you use direct phone no 01179 104200 or 01179 104201 and quote NCC code Check in from 15.00hrs, Check out by 12.00hrs
How do I get a twin room rather than a double?
This depends on availability.
Where is the Holiday Inn, Filton Rd?
Holiday Inn, Filton Rd, Winterbourne, Bristol BS16 1QX
If I’m not staying at Holiday Inn Filton can I join other participants there for an evening meal? What will it cost?
Non-guests can book an evening meal at the hotel to join their R&B colleagues by calling or emailing Nikki Gwatkin on 01179 104200 or 01179 104201, quoting NCC code, or emailing her quoting the same code on Nikki.Gwatkin@hibristolfilton.co.uk. It will cost approx. £22 without beverages.
What is the situation re car parking?
There is spacious complimentary parking for hotel guests.
What is the latest date I can cancel my room? Will I get a full refund?
The Holiday Inn Filton takes your credit card details when you book but does not take any money until 72 hrs before. You can cancel without paying any penalty up to 72 hrs before.
HOTELS - HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS, PARKWAY BUSINESS PARK
Where is the Holiday Inn Express? Are they the same hotel?
Parkway Business Park, New Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8TJ
The Holiday Inn Express, Parkway Business Park, is a different hotel from the Holiday Inn, Filton Road. All room prices regardless of whether one or two people are staying, are £84 bed and buffet breakfast.
What is the latest date I can cancel my room? Will I get a full refund?
The hotel is only holding rooms for us until 13 August. You will get a full refund if you cancel up to 14 days before.
LUGGAGE
If I’m in transit can I leave my bag anywhere safe at St Michael’s Centre?
We understand that you may have luggage with you, and we will be able to lock it in a room. You will have to contact a steward to get it out.
PHOTOGRAPHY & FILMING
Can I take photographs in the auditorium?
You can take photographs of the stage but not of members of the audience. No children may be photographed.
Is the event being filmed? Might I be filmed without my knowledge?
Since this is a live-streamed event audience members should expect to be on camera, even if only fleetingly. Our fixed video camera will be at the back of the auditorium, and so chiefly picking up people’s backs and sides. There will also be a roving camera which might pick up an audience member, particularly if a question is being asked.
If you do not wish to be filmed in any way, please speak to the stewards as you arrive and they will seat you somewhere where you cannot be inadvertently caught on camera. Those speaking from the stage have already given their permission to be filmed.
PROGRAMME
Where do I find a copy of the programme?
It will be downloadable on our website here.
Those attending live will be given a paper programme.
PRIVACY
I would like to attend the Synod but I would only feel comfortable doing so if my identity was not revealed. How will my identity be kept confidential?
We will not be revealing the identity of any audience member. If you tell the stewards you do not wish to be filmed and they seat you in a ‘safe area’ you should feel comfortable. You will not be required to wear a name badge. You will only be required to show the QR code on your ticket on admittance.
PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE
Does the centre have public liability insurance?
Yes.
SECURITY
I am nervous about the risk of disruption from Catholics who oppose the Synod Agenda: what security arrangements are in place?
The door will be locked and we will have a steward on door duty.
SINGING
Will there be any singing?
Yes.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
How will distancing work if I come on my own - can I still socialise with other people?
The English government is lifting social distancing restrictions on 19 July. However, we will ask all participants to be respectful of each other’s space. See more information above under Covid.
START AND END TIMES
If I’m late, will I be allowed in?
Yes. The stewards will escort you in at the next break.
Do I have to attend every speaker in the auditorium or is there a chill out area?
It is up to you how many of the speakers you listen to. There is a chill out area.
SUNDAY LITURGY
Where is it being held?
Holiday Inn, Filton, Sequoia Room
When does the Sunday liturgy start and end?
Start time 10am. End by 12.45pm
Do I need to book a place?
Please email events@rootandbranchsynod.org to say you would like to attend so that we can monitor numbers. Please also say whether you’d like a light lunch at the hotel, for the price of £9.50 before you set off on your travels.
TICKETS
Do I have to print off my ticket?
Either print it off or have it on your phone. It’s the QR code we need at the door.
What happens if I’ve forgotten to print off my ticket and lost it on my phone?
In an emergency we can trace your ticket purchase via your name and email address, but this will take time, so please do what you can to bring a printed ticket.
TRANSPORT
Where is St Michael’s Centre?
St Michael’s Centre is in Stoke Gifford on the northern edge of Bristol in the South West of England. We are located a few minutes’ drive from the M4, the M5 and the M32 motorways and a few hundred metres from Bristol Parkway railway station.
Address is St Michael’s Centre, The Green, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8PD
By Rail
Bristol Parkway is a major intercity railway station, with regular services to and from London, Birmingham, South Wales, Exeter and beyond. The St Michael’s Centre is just around the corner from the station.
By Bus
The St Michael’s Centre is a 5 minute walk from two bus stops which are on the following routes around Bristol and South Gloucestershire: 10, 19, 19A, 73, 77, 82, X5, X73, 3B, 625 and S7C. We will also be served by Bristol’s new MetroBus which is currently under construction.
By Car
The St Michael’s Centre is less than 10 minutes’ drive from the M4 (J19), the M32 (J1) and the M5 (J16). There are parking spaces for disabled drivers right outside the building. There is some on-street parking available in Stoke Gifford and there are hundreds of pay-and-display spaces in the station car park just around the corner.
How far is it to walk from Bristol Parkway Station to the centre?
A couple of minutes’ walk.
Can you tell me the times of trains to Bristol Parkway Station?
There are so many trains, please look them up.
Is there secure cycle parking provision at the centre?
Yes.
How do I travel between the centre and the Holiday Inn Filton or any other hotels?
There is no organised transport. However, there is a full taxi-rank at Parkway Station. We suggest you find people to share a taxi with. The distance is not far. But it is certainly not an easy walk.
ZOOM/ONLINE ATTENDANCE
What is the Zoom/online element of my LIVE onsite ticket?
The online element of your ticket consists of:
Sunday-Wednesday 5-8 September:
4 panels on The Bristol Text to Reform (see programme for times)
Thursday 9 September: The Inner Room for prayer (see programme for times)
It says that my ticket to attend in Bristol also includes a link to all weekend events on Zoom. Can I use this in my hotel? Can I share this link with my family?
If you are attending the final weekend onsite/live you will also be able to use the link to online attendance at your hotel or to share it with a family member.
How do I access the online elements?
There will be a system that allows you to log in via our website once you’ve set up your login with a password etc. This means that you can’t lose the link. Details about how to login will be sent out to you well in advance and we advise you to set up your login as soon as you receive it.
If I am on Zoom/online, can I participate, or am I just listening?
Because we are estimating large numbers of online participants you won’t be able to see each other as in a regular Zoom meeting. It will be a webinar where you can enter comments in the chat but not speak.
I would like to attend the Synod but I would only feel comfortable doing so if my identity was not revealed; how will my identity be kept confidential?
Because we are estimating large numbers of online participants you won’t be able to see each other as in a regular Zoom meeting and therefore your identity will be confidential.
Where do I find a copy of the programme?
It will be available on the website, you can download it here.
There are a lot of events at different times on different days? Will I be sent reminders with the link? You will be sent reminders at the start of each major session. There will be a system that allows you to log in via our website once you’ve set up your login with a password etc. This means that you can’t lose the link. Details about how to login will be sent out to you well in advance and we advise you to set up your login as soon as you receive it.
Start and end Times, are these in British Summer Time?
Yes.
How do I work out what British Summer Time is if I am Zooming from abroad?
There are a number of websites for working out world times. Here are two:
https://www.worldtimebuddy.com
https://greenwichmeantime.com
Most smartphones have inbuilt world time clocks as standard.